Acanthophoenix rubra – Acanthophoenix crinita – Barbel Palm

Description

Acanthophoenix – Barbel Palm This genus consist of a single, variable species, originating in the Indian Ocean Islands of Mauritius and Reunion.  Single trunk that is swollen at the base and scared from old leaf bases. Densely foliage creating a lush fern like appearance armed with long black needle like spines with drooping leaflets with whitish undersides. Plan placement of this palm carefully if not above head level. Grow outside in only in tropics or subtropics areas in fertile, sandy soil in full sun, water freely in summer and apply a liquid balance fertilizer every month.  In winter water moderately. Use soil based potting mix if in greenhouse with sand in full light. Prone to spider mites and fungal leaf spots. Acanthophoenix rubra – Acanthophoenix crinita – Grows 60’ feet tall and 25’ feet wide and is an elegant palm with a slender trunk with prominent crown shaft.  The prickly 6-12’ foot long leaves have cleft tips.  The inconspicuous flowers are white, yellow, pink, and red and appear throughout summer. Zones 10-12