Phoenix rupicola (Indian date palm)

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If you're thinking that a beautiful palm tree like this can't be planted in full sun in the Phoenix area, think again. This Phoenix rupicola is planted in full sun, facing west, and in gravel, which reflects the heat. The rupicola is a medium-sized palm tree, not as large as it's big brother the Phoenix dactylifera (date palm), and not as small as its little sister the Phoenix roebellini (dwarf date palm). It has long, green, beautiful, arching fronds and grows to a medium height, so it won't become a "telephone pole" in your yard.

I saw one of these in a neighbor's yard when I first moved here in the '90s, did some research to find out what it was, and finally got one in 2005. I have no idea why these are not more commonly planted in the Phoenix area. They are not expensive and are readily available by nurseries that sell palm trees. You won't find them at Home Depot or Walmart, though. They are slow growers, which is good, because you don't need to do a lot of trimming. Buy the biggest one that you can, and be sure it gets plenty of water and fertilizer. Other than that, it doesn't need any special care.

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