Phoenix theophrasti var. Epidaurus

The Phoenix theophrasti originates from at least 10 localities in Crete. The best known populations on Crete are the palm forests of Vai and Preveli. Some palms are known to grow on nearby islands and from 4 localities in Turkey of which the most northern one at Golkoy near Bodrum. The Phoenix theophrasti var. Epidaurus is a rare palm from the town Palea Epidavros also called Ancient Epidavros, Peloponnesos, Greece. This tiny population of only 25 trees growing at 37°38'29.20"N is the only population on the mainland of Greece and the most northern population of the species. This population is about 60 km further north than the variety from Golkoy. There is only 1 palm in that produces true to type viable seed, which makes the population highly vulnerable. Temperatures in Palea Epidavros can drop below freezing in winter and these palms tolerate the occasional snowfall. This variety has the potential to become a popular palm for temperate climates where it gets to cold for the regular Phoenix canariensis. Although there is almost no experience from cultivation, the results from the first tests conducted in The Netherlands are promising and cold tolerance is estimated at around -15°C. We have written a detailed article about this palm which you can find under Articles and publications.