“Cliff Date Palm”
Natural Habitat: Naturally found throughout the open forest and clearings, on rocky cliffs in the Indian Himalayas at elevations from 1000-4000 feet.
Description: A tall solitary palm that can reach heights over 20 feet tall. The rupicola resembles a smaller more elegant Canary Island date Palm. The trunk stays rather slender reaching overall width of 10-12 inches. The self cleaning crownshaft drops its oldest leaves, leaving a gray or brown trunk with large rounded leaf scares, which follow the trunk upwards in a closely spiraling pattern. The slender crownshaft is covered in a thin layer of brown fibers or netting. The crownshaft emerges upwards of 25 large leaves that can reach lengths over 10 feet long. The rupicola has the greenest leaflets in the Phoenix family, giving the palm a very distinct look. The leaflets are also rather thin and limp for the Phoenix family, usually seen dropping on the petioles(branches). Like most Phoenix’s, the rupicola is also armed with large spikes that can be quite dangerous.
Environment: The rupicola enjoys a sunny, moist, and well drained area, where it can get plenty of good sun during the day. It has rather tropical environmental requirements for a Phoenix family member, showing damage during long stints of frost or freeze. It is cold hardy to the low 30’s and can handle mild frost or freezes with no to minimal damage. Zones 9b-11. These palms have handled temperatures into the high 20’s and at least 3-4 mild frosts this winter and are in great health.