Description
The formal pair of Canary Island Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis) dominate the front façade of this former private residence (part of mansion row) on Cleveland Street, opposite Prince Alfred Park.
The canopy and root zones appear to be confined to to this property. The trees measure approximately, height 10-12 metres (clear trunk), canopy spread 7 metres.
Trees estimated to have been planted c.1900 and appear to be in generally good condition and health.
Significance
These two palms are significant at the local level in terms of their visual and historic values. The terrace house they belong to is listed under City of Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012. They are prominent specimens in the Cleveland Street landscape.
This species is also acquiring significance in terms of rarity value. In recent years, this species has been decimated in public parklands due to introduced fungal pathogens in the soil and care should be taken to protect and manage these specimens.
Historical notes
These two palms are of exceptional size and scale and were possibly planted in the late nineteenth century following construction of the residence. This exotic palm species with its bold accent, dramatic scale, uniform growth pattern and tolerance to drought was highly favoured in formal planting schemes. The palm is generally associated with commemorative parkland and civic landscapes but was also used in private formal garden schemes.
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