Phoenix roebelenii
{{Short description|Species of palm}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Starr_070124-3839_Phoenix_roebelenii.jpg
| genus = Phoenix
| species = roebelenii
| authority = O'Brien
}}
Phoenix roebelenii, with common names of dwarf date palm,[https://www.gardenia.net/plant/phoenix-roebelenii Palmpedia] pygmy date palm, miniature date palm or robellini palm, is a species of date palm native to southeastern Asia, from southwestern China (Yunnan Province), northern Laos and northern Vietnam (in Dien Bien Province, Ha Giang Province, Cao Bang Province, Lang Son Province).WCSP, World Checklist of Arecaceae: [http://www.kew.org/wcsp/namedetail.do?accepted_id=152704&repSynonym_id=-9998&name_id=152704&status=true Phoenix roebelenii]{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{GRIN | accessdate = 10 January 2018}}
The Latin specific epithet roebelenii honours the orchid collector Carl Roebelen (1855–1927).{{cite book | last=Harrison |first=Lorraine | title=RHS Latin for Gardeners | year=2012 |publisher=Mitchell Beazley | location=United Kingdom | isbn=978-1845337315 }}
Description
Phoenix roebelenii is a small to medium-sized, slow-growing slender tree growing to {{convert|2|-|7|m|ft|abbr=}} tall. The leaves are {{convert|60|-|120|cm|0|abbr=on}} long, pinnate, with around 100 leaflets arranged in a single plane (unlike the related P. loureiroi where the leaflets are in two planes). Each leaflet is {{convert|15|-|25|cm|0|abbr=on}} long and 1 cm wide, slightly drooping, and grey-green in colour with scurfy pubescence below.
The flowers are small, yellowish, produced on a {{convert|45|cm|0|abbr=on}} inflorescence. The fruit is an edible 1 cm drupe resembling a small, thin-fleshed date.Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan {{ISBN|0-333-47494-5}}.
This Palm produces strong, spiny thorns approx. 2-4" in length. The size of the thorns depends on the age of the tree. These thorns are located on the Palm Leaf stem close to the trunk and can extend 6-12". The thorns are very sharp and easily penetrate the skin. They are poisonous and can cause irritation, skin infection, bruising and can be severe. They can also cause an allergic reaction. These reactions differentiate on the exposure.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}
Cultivation and uses
Phoenix roebelenii is a popular ornamental plant in gardens in tropical and subtropical climate areas. With a minimum temperature requirement of {{convert|26|°F}} it is grown under glass or as a houseplant in cooler areas.{{cite book|title=RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants|year=2008|publisher=Dorling Kindersley|location=United Kingdom|isbn=978-1405332965|pages=1136}} It needs little pruning to develop a strong structure, is resistant to pests, is tolerant to soil variation, and is moderately drought tolerant. The plant grows in partial shade to full sun, with the local climate determining where to plant.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.{{cite web|title=RHS Plant Selector - Phoenix roebelenii | url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12771/Phoenix-roebelenii/Details | access-date = 6 February 2021}}{{cite web | url = https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/pdfs/agm-lists/agm-ornamentals.pdf | title = AGM Plants - Ornamental | date = July 2017 | page = 77 | publisher = Royal Horticultural Society | accessdate = 25 April 2018}}
The NASA Clean Air Study concluded that this was a plant that was effective at removing common household air toxins formaldehyde and benzene.
Gallery
Image:Roebeleniiinflorescences.JPG|New inflorescences
Image:Phoenixroebeleniifruit.JPG|Fruit
Image:P.roebelenii.JPG|Male flowers
References
{{Commons category|Phoenix roebelenii}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q164113}}