Does anyone recognize this palm. I'm not sure how old it is. I found it hidden away on the side of a forgotten road at an obscure nursery ( also forgotten ) in the rain forest. (elevation 400 feet) It, along with 3 others was growing above ground so to speak. That is to say they were set on the ground and lava rocks piled up high to keep them from falling over. (It can be next to impossible to dig holes in solid lava rock without the use of a jack hammer or something bigger.) I originally thought they were phoenix caraiensis but now know them to something other than that. The trunk may be elongated from years of neglect and fighting to reach sunlight. I transplanted it to a location higher up. (about 4000 feet) It has been in the ground now about 2 years. It does have the lower spikes like the canariensis, but any part of the frond can also poke you, unlike the canariensis whose fronds are relatively soft. Having been poked in the temple by a spike it reminded me of previous encounters with phoenix robellini, the throbbing pain no exception. I've obviously trimmed the trunk but I do have others that are smaller with somewhat rounder trunks. It does seem to enjoy the attention it gets even at such a high elevation. I would appreciate any input on this mystery palm. Sorry, I can't figure out how to locate the individual photo to upload. new computer, new camera.
I realize this is a very old question, so it is likely that you already have your answer. At any rate, that looks like a Phoenix sylvestris. The orange trunk is a giveaway. That species has become very popuiar in Palm Beach County over the last couple years.
Phoenix sylvestris has a more open habit (frond spacing) and a more grayish or silvery coloring and less recurved fronds. Yours is closer to Phoenix canariensis in appearance. This leads me to the conclusion it may very well be a hybrid between the two, with strong canariensis parentage. Cheers, LPN.
