Creta Date Palm
Phoenix theophrasti Greuter
Phoenix theophrasti, known as the Creta Date Palm, is a palm species native to the eastern Mediterranean, particularly in Greece and Turkey. It is one of only two native palm species in the Mediterranean basin, the other being Chamaerops humilis. These palms form the region's only palm forests. In Turkey, Phoenix theophrasti is the sole native palm species, while other palms in the area are introduced.
Description
Phoenix theophrasti is a member of the Arecaceae family and is found in the East Aegean Islands, Greece, Kriti, Tunisia, and Turkey. It is distinguished as one of the few native palms in the Mediterranean, with its natural populations forming forested areas in southern Greece and Turkey. The species was published in 1967 by Greuter. Its presence in the region is significant as it contributes to the unique biodiversity of the Mediterranean, where it is the only native palm in Turkey and one of two in Greece.
Other common names
Creta Date PalmCretan Date PalmDatça Date PalmTheophrastus's Date Palm
Distribution
Global · East Aegean Is. · Greece · Kriti · Tunisia · Turkey
