World Plants Logo

search the world

Tropicals, Woody > Phoenix > Phoenix dactylifera > Phoenix dactylifera

Phoenix dactylifera


Date Palm




Origin:  Native to western Asia and North Africa.
Family
Arecaceae
Genus
Phoenix
Species
dactylifera
Category
Tropicals, Woody
Type
Tree (evergreen)
Synonyms
Phoenix iberica
USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 11
Canadian Hardiness Zone
Requires cool season protection under glass.
RHS Hardiness Zone
H3 - H1c
Temperature (°C)
2
Temperature (°F)
24
Height
15 - 30 m
Spread
5 - 7 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
MayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovember
Landscape
As an ornamental tree or in small or large plantations as a food source.
Cultivation
Plant in extremely well-draining loamy to sandy soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline.
Shape
Upright erect.
Growth
Medium
Habitat
Dry arid sandy plains.
Bark/Stem Description
Rugged, cracked woody bark formed from mature frond stems as the tree grows upward. Frond stems are erect, smooth, glaborous and slightly fleshy.
Leaf Description
Broad fan-shaped fronds of 20 - 30 lanceolate leaflets on long erect frond stems.
Fruit Description
Oblong-ovate 'date' fruits that measure approximately 3 - 4 cm in length that are widely consumed in their native region and exported to the world. The dates grow oppositely in clusters along long stems at the base of the tree's fronds.
Colour Description
Pale tan-brown bark which greens and softens in colour as the tree climbs. Pale sage green foliage.
Texture Description
Coarse and woody bark.
Notable Specimens
Many great specimens can be found along the highways of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Propagation
Seed.
Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer)
The fruit is highly valued in many regions of the world where it is a staple of peoples diet. The fronds are used for thatch and screening while in India the tree is tapped for date wine. The seeds, which remain viable for some time, can also be ground into a meal for animal feed. The trunk, although not structurally strong, can be used in construction. The fronds can also be further worked into baskets, mats, fishing traps, etc.
goToTop
top