Palm groves of Phoenix
Description (English)
Woods, often riparian, formed by the two endemic palm trees, Phoenix theophrasti and Phoenix canariensis.
The palm groves of Crete are restricted to damp sandy coastal valleys; they include the extensive forest of Vai, where the luxuriant palm growth is accompanied by a thick shrubby undergrowth rich of Nerium oleander, and about four other smaller coastal groves, notably on the south coast of the prefectorate of Rethimnon.
The Canarian palm groves are mostly characteristic of the bottom of barrancos and of alluvial soils, below 600 metres; particularly representative examples are found at Fragata, Maspalomas and Barranco de Tirajana in the Gran Canary, Valle Gran Rey in La Gomera, Masca in Ténériffe and Brena Alta in La Palma
Source: Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, version EUR 28 (2013)
Quick facts
| EU Habitats Directive | Annex I habitat type (code 9370) |
|---|---|
| Habitat type | Priority |
| Natura 2000 sites | 53 are designated for this habitat type |
Distribution
Conservation status
EU conservation status
Conservation status assesses every six years and for each biogeographical region the condition of habitats and species compared to the favourable status as described in the Habitats Directive. The map shows the 2013-2018 assessments as reported by EU Member State. Assessments are further detailed in the summary document available behind the link below.
Species mentioned in habitat description
Flowering Plants
Nerium oleander
Flowering Plants
Phoenix theophrasti
| Species scientific name | English common name | Species group |
|---|---|---|
| Nerium oleander | Flowering Plants | |
| Phoenix theophrasti | Creta Date Palm | Flowering Plants |
