39. Millbank Palm

Central London has no shortage of impressive trees, one of the most unlikely is the Canary palm growing close to the Houses of Parliament.

A busy roundabout greets those crossing from south to north London over Lambeth Bridge. It is well maintained as an ornamental garden and boasts a landmark Canary island date palm for a centrepiece. The palm has been there for many years and is gradually launching itself upwards and outwards. It will be some years yet before this corner of London resembles LA though.  

Species details

Canary Island date palm
Phoenix canariensis

Where to find it

Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 3GE
///flows.stale.loose | 51.494785, -0.125195

Canary Island date palm notes

A few decades ago, Canary Island date palms were introduced to London, and against the odds perhaps, they have taken off, if you will excuse the pun. There are now dozens of big, shaggy palm trees in unlikely places across the capital, but while many boast large canopies, few have much of a trunk to speak of. Yet. 

It is surely only a matter of time before those luxurious palm fronds will be raised high above the ground, as these African plants seem more than happy with London’s climate and can even cope with a bit of frost – something other palms struggle with.