Phoenix caespitosa
Species of palm
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Phoenix caespitosa is a species of plant in the palm family native to the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa.
| Phoenix caespitosa | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Phoenix |
| Species: | P. caespitosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Phoenix caespitosa | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Distribution and habitat
Phoenix caespitosa can be found in Djibouti, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, where it grows in dry wadis, semi-desert bushland, rocky crevices, and ravines. In Somalia it occurs at elevations as high as 900 m (3,000 ft) above sea level, and it may occur at elevations as high as 1,950 m (6,400 ft) in Saudi Arabia.[1][3] In Yemen it is widespread, though scattered, across the escarpment at elevations between 400–1,200 m (1,300–3,900 ft) above sea level. It may be locally abundant in marshes, valleys, and alongside streams in dry areas.[4]
Description
Phoenix caespitosa is a stemless dwarf palm that often grows in clusters. The stiff, hairless leaves grow to 3 m (9.8 ft) long. The inflorescences measure around 40 cm (16 in) long. Fruits are spherical to egg-shaped, orange to purplish-brown in colour, and measure 10–16 mm (0.39–0.63 in) by 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in).[3]
