We have a large Phoenix canariensis that has been burnt and wondering whether it will survive. The trunk is black but does not appear to be damaged to any depth. The fronds in the crown are burnt away underneath and the top centre section appears to be damaged with only the stems of the fronds left. The middle/side fronds are burnt nearest the trunk but still have green folaige at their ends.
Does this species tend to survive fire damage?

Reply to post by David Grant, on March 11, 2002 at 22:19:25:

Try this link.

Reply to post by Scott, on March 11, 2002 at 22:19:25:

Thanks for the info. The FEIS site is great, amazing amount of information on lots of tree species. Phoenix canariensis is not included unfortunately but Washingtonia filifera is and I would imagine the fire effects may be similar? Thanks again for the response.

Reply to post by David Grant, on March 11, 2002 at 22:19:25:

I'd say if the apikal meristem is alive and damages is not very deep on the trunk it will survive.
The most important is the meristem.
Palms must be more tolerable to fire than "normal" trees.

Reply to post by David Grant, on March 13, 2002 at 07:26:10:

Two months after being burnt the Canary Island Palm has suddenly decided to start growing. It has sent up numerous flower spikes and a large group of new fronds. Looks like it will survive quite well at this stage. The crown is very clean and the starlings and other pest birds will have to find somwhere else to make a mess/noise from.