Phoenix caespitosa

Phoenix caespitosa
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Arecales
Family:	Arecaceae
Genus:	Phoenix
Species:	P. caespitosa
Binomial name
Phoenix caespitosa Chiov.
Synonyms
Phoenix arabica Burret

Phoenix caespitosa is a species of plant in the palm family native to the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa.

Distribution and habitat

P. caespitosa can be found in Djibouti, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, where it grows in dry wadis, semi-desert bushland, rocky crevices, and ravines. In Somalia, it occurs at elevations as high as 900 m (3,000 ft) above sea level, and may occur at elevations as high as 1,950 m (6,400 ft) in Saudi Arabia. In Yemen it is widespread, though scattered, across the escarpment at elevations between 400–1,200 m (1,300–3,900 ft) above sea level. It may be locally abundant in marshes, valleys, and alongside streams in dry areas.

Distribution

P. caespitosa is a stemless dwarf palm that often grows in clusters. The stiff, hairless leaves grow to 3 m (9.8 ft) long. The inflorescences measure around 40 cm (16 in) long. Fruits are spherical to egg-shaped, orange to purplish-brown in colour, and measure 10–16 mm (0.39–0.63 in) by 8–12 mm (0.31–0.47 in).