The Cretan Date Palm - Discover Crete

The Cretan Date Palm

Crete is home to the largest palm forest in Europe.

Palm trees thrive in sandy valleys or rocky coastal areas.

The Cretan date palm (Phoenix theophrasti), also known as the Cretan palm and locally known as Theofrastus’ palm is a rare endemic species of the Aegean Sea, found in various regions including Crete, some Aegean islands, and Antalya.

Palm trees flourish in sandy valleys or rocky coastal areas. The species was newly described in 1967 by Greuter and was named in honour of the father of botany, Theophrastus (372-287 BC), who was the first to mention the existence of the palm tree in Crete.

This tree can grow up to a height of 15 metres and typically generates numerous offshoots. Interestingly, its date-like fruits are not consumed. Presently, there is growing concern about the future of this palm tree, given that other palm species have faced significant devastation due to the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), an invasive species imported from Africa.

In Crete, you can find the largest palm forest in Europe, situated in Vai, Sitia. Additionally, there are other palm forests in Agios Nikitas of Asterousia and in Martsalos Gorge.

Photo: By maulejobs Via create.vista