Phoenix IBERICA 0219 Arecaceae (Palmaceae): Phoenix D. iberica Rivera, S. Rivers & Obon. Spain / Spain: Valencia, specimens grown / Cultivated specimens . © E. Laguna, 01.03.2006 & 01.03.2007.
Palmera English endemic, virtually extinct in the wild, but kept in culture for agricultural and ornamental uses. The seeds of this species have been found in archaeological remains of 5000-5500 years old (approx. 2,000 to 2,500 years before the introduction of the first North African specimens Phoenix dactylifera in Spain). differs from Ph. dactylifera for its seeds (small -1 to 1.5 cm in length, "rounded end as in Ph. theophrasti), dates inedible stems wider, tepals fimbriate divided, and leaves with rigid segments and acanthophylls very strong. Wild specimens have been found only in salt marshes and coastal wadis, dunes and coastal environments of SE Ibérico, most tree hybrid swarm with display characters Ph. dactylifera. / A English endemic palm tree, Practically extinct in wild, pero Maintained Cultivated as an ornamental tree and for agrarian purposes. Seeds of this tree Are Being foun in archeological pieces, approx 5000-5500 years BP. Years 2000-2500 Before the introduction of the first North African specimens Ph. dactilifera in Spain. It differs from Phoenix dactylifera Because of Their small (1 to 1,5 cm long) and rounded-tip seeds, unedible dates, (like Ph. theophrasti ), wider trunks, divided or fimbriate tepals, leaves bearing rigid segments and very strong acanthophiles. Their wild specimens only lives on salt or coastal ouadis as well as coastal dunes, by the Southeastern part of the Iberian peninsula; most trees show hybridization with Ph. dactylifera .
España/ Spain : Murcia: Cartagena, restos de palmerales en ramblas costeras / remainders of palm tree thickets in coastal ouadis . ©E. Laguna, 16.11.2007.
This palm tree is closely related to Ph. dactylifera and Ph. theophrasti , and their interrelationships and the final taxonomic status is currently using molecular techniques. Researchers interested in obtaining more information should contact Dr Diego Rivera (drivera@um.es), University of Murcia (Spain) / This palm tree is related with Strongly and Ph. dactylifera Ph. theophrasti . And Their Taxonomic Relationships Are definitive status under study using molecular analysis. Interested Researchers to Obtain more information on this species Must contact Dr Diego Rivera (drivera@um.es) at the University of Murcia (Spain).
Spain / Spain: Valencia: Dates of Phoenix dactylifera 'Medjoul' (left) and Ph. iberica (R) / Dates of Phoenix dactylifera 'Medjoul' (left) and Ph. iberica (right). © E. Laguna, 07.02.2008.
Spain / Spain : Ph. iberica seeds (left) and the variety 'Deglet Nour' very small seed de Ph. dactylifera (der.) / Seeds of Ph. iberica (left) and very small-sized seeds of Ph. dactylifera var. 'Deglet Nour' (right) . ©E. Laguna, 28.02.2008
España/ Spain : Valencia: Semillas de Ph. iberica (izq.), Ph. canariensis (centro) y Ph. theophrasti (der.) / Seeds of Ph. iberica (left), Ph. canariensis (centre) and Ph. theophrasti (right). ©E. Laguna, 27.03.2007.
Spain / Spain: Valencia: Fruits and seeds from cultivated specimens of Phoenix dactylifera x iberica , seeded somewhat larger than 1.5 cm / Dates and seeds from Cultivated specimens of Ph. dactylifera x iberica , slighty bigger Than seeds with 1.5 cm. © E. Laguna, 01.07.2007 & 14.12.2008.
