| Phoenix roebelenii | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Phoenix |
| Species: | P. roebelenii |
| Binomial name | |
| Phoenix roebelenii | |
Phoenix roebelenii, with common names ofdwarf date palm,[1]pygmy date palm,miniature date palm orrobellini palm, is aspecies ofdate palmnative to southeastern Asia, from southwestern China (YunnanProvince), northernLaos and northernVietnam (in Dien Bien Province, Ha Giang Province, Cao Bang Province, Lang Son Province).[2][3]
The Latinspecific epithetroebelenii honours the orchid collectorCarl Roebelen (1855–1927).[4]
Phoenix roebelenii is a small to medium-sized, slow-growing slendertree growing to 2–7 metres (6.6–23.0 ft) tall. Theleaves are 60–120 cm (24–47 in) long,pinnate, with around 100 leaflets arranged in a single plane (unlike the relatedP. loureiroi where the leaflets are in two planes). Each leaflet is 15–25 cm (6–10 in) long and 1 cm wide, slightly drooping, and grey-green in colour with scurfy pubescence below.
Theflowers are small, yellowish, produced on a 45 cm (18 in)inflorescence. Thefruit is an edible 1 cmdrupe resembling a small, thin-flesheddate.[5]
Phoenix roebelenii is a popularornamental plant in gardens in tropical and subtropical climate areas. With a minimum temperature requirement of −3 °C (27 °F), it is grown under glass or as ahouseplant in cooler areas.[6][7] 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 theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit.[8][9]
TheNASA Clean Air Study concluded that this was a plant that was effective at removing common household air toxinsformaldehyde andbenzene.
