Phoenix theophrasti - Cretan Date Palm

The Phoenix theophrasti is, along with the Chamaerops humilis (the dwarf palm), the only representative of the great family of palm trees that is native to Europe. This species, commonly called the Cretan date palm, is very similar to the Phoenix dactylifera of Saharan oases, which is cultivated for date harvesting. It has a sturdier appearance than its African cousin, developing over time several curved "trunks" topped with a lush foliage of soft green-gray-blue palm leaves, forming picturesque groves when planted in the ground. Another advantage of this Phoenix is its good resistance to frost, which should allow it to thrive in many gardens not too far from the sea. 

The Phoenix theophrasti belongs to the great family of Arecaceae. It is endemic to Crete, where it is protected, but it can also be found in southwestern Turkey. This species grows near the shores or in the beds of dried-up rivers, where water is present in depth. Like the date palm, it requires a lot of heat for its fruits to ripen. This Cretan date palm shows rapid growth when planted in the ground, and can withstand cold temperatures down to -12°/-13°C. However, it requires deep, light, preferably sandy, well-drained soil that is moist in depth. In favorable climate and soil conditions, the plant can reach a height of 13 m (43ft). In containers, it will remain smaller in size, although this cultivation method is not recommended for this plant as it tends to produce many suckers from the stump.

The Cretan date palm is capable of forming multiple stems, or false trunks, from its base. Each stem, which can reach a diameter of 50 cm (20in) at the base, is brown-gray in color and covered with short fibers and a pattern of prominent diamond-shaped motifs, which are remnants of the old petioles that have been cut. At the top of each stem, the foliage develops, forming a rather dense crown. The leaves are fleshy and spiky, resembling fish bones, and have a glaucous color. These evergreen leaves have an individual lifespan of 3 to 7 years. Each leaf is divided into 200 to 250 rigid pinnae, irregularly arranged along the central vein. Flowering occurs in summer, on mature plants. The Phoenix theophrasti is a dioecious species, meaning that there are male and female individuals. Only the female plants will bear dates in the presence of male plants. In our region, including the Mediterranean, it does not produce many or high-quality dates. The female plants produce clusters of small, fleshy, and edible fruits, which are initially brownish-yellow and then turn black when ripe. Each fruit contains only one elongated seed with a furrow.

The Phoenix theophrasti can be a magnificent specimen in many French gardens. As it requires space to fully express its beauty, this palm tree is best planted on a short grass meadow in a not too cold climate, both near the sea and inland. It can sometimes be challenging to pair with other plants due to its strong personality; reserve a corner for it by a pool and plant robust ground covers such as periwinkles or snow-in-summer, for example, at its base.