Phoenix andamanensis

The Phoenix andamanensis derives its species name from the Andaman Islands in India, where it was discovered and is currently endangered. It is related to the famous Phoenix canariensis, but shares more characteristics with the graceful Phoenix rupicola, a native species of the Himalayan foothills that is unfortunately more susceptible to cold. With a tall and smooth trunk, topped by a magnificent bouquet of shiny, arching fronds meticulously arranged in a spherical crown, it captivates with its elegance and resemblance to a graceful little coconut tree, perfectly embodying the ideal of a palm tree in the collective imagination. Recently introduced into cultivation, this species will delight knowledgeable collectors!

The Phoenix andamanensis belongs to the large family of Arecaceae. Native to an archipelago in the Gulf of Bengal in India, it is adapted to a humid tropical climate. However, it grows in garrigue-like environments on steep terrain at altitudes between 400 and 680 meters (1312 and 2231 feet). The Andaman Palm is a tree-like plant that generally reaches a height of 10-11 meters (33-36 feet) and a width of 5-6 meters (16-20 feet) in its natural habitat.

Its trunk, called a stipe, is solitary and lacks the remnants of old petioles often seen on other palm trees. It can reach a diameter of 15 cm (6in). At its top, large semi-arching leaves develop, measuring up to 2.40 meters (8 feet) long, divided into numerous wide leaflets or pinnae arranged in the same plane. The foliage is a shiny dark green, identical on both the upper and lower sides of the leaves. Flowering occurs in summer, in the form of inflorescences that emerge between the leaves, with different appearances depending on whether they are male or female. The male inflorescences are shorter and somewhat resemble brooms, while the female inflorescences are long, pendulous, and adorned with small yellow flowers. These flowers are followed by non-edible but decorative fruits, shaped like yellow-orange dates that turn brownish when ripe.

The Phoenix andamanensis is a collector's plant with relatively poorly evaluated requirements and limits. Nevertheless, it is widely believed among specialists that it can be cultivated in a similar manner to the Phoenix rupicola. It is safer to grow it in a pot or container so that it can be protected from winter frosts. This palm tree makes a beautiful addition to a terrace during the warmer seasons, and can be moved to a winter garden or unheated conservatory during winter.