could be... or a hybrid Phoenix with reclinata. Most reclinatas are hybrids.

Yep, agree with the Doc. Watch those thorns- wickedly sharp and with some kind of toxin.

Thanks guys. Just out of curiosity, any particular reason that most reclinatas are hybrids (and what do they get crossed with?) Yes, Stanofh, I know about those thorns. Are all Phoenix thorns associated with toxins?? I hate to admit it, but this was one that has gotten neglected. I think I wanted it to die off because of its prickliness. Who needs barbed wire when you can plant of row of these things. Then, when I saw this little guy surviving despite all the odds, it earned my respect and I decided to take better care of it. I have been busy the last week transplanting or top dressing all the plants--palms included. I'm up to my top size containers for the seed-grown canariensis--which although prickly are not nearly as prickly as the (hybrid) reclinata. Peace out from the oasis.

I do think that all Phoenix has some kind of mild toxin. I know that when I got pinched by my (now passed on) pygmy palm, it always hurt much more than it should have.

Phoenix produce pollen in abundance, and they are common. So when the female flowers need pollen, there is often lots of it blowing around, and often not the same species... and this has been the situation for over 50 years in the US making 'pure' species of any Phoenix in some areas rare indeed.

I've been stuck by most common Phoenix sp. P.reclinata wins worst and longest lasting finger throb!