Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm)
Botanical Information
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Genus | Phoenix |
| Species | dactylifera |
| Synonyms | Phoenix iberica |
| Category | Tropicals, Woody |
| Type | Tree (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to western Asia and North Africa. |
| 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. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9 - 11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H3 - H1c |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | 2 |
| Temperature (°F) | 24 |
| Height | 15 - 30 m |
| Spread | 5 - 7 m |
| Growth | Medium |
| Flowering Period | May, June, July, August, September, October, November |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Upright erect. |
| Landscape | As an ornamental tree or in small or large plantations as a food source. |
| Propagation | Seed. |
| Cultivation | Plant in extremely well-draining loamy to sandy soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. |
| Notable Specimens | Many great specimens can be found along the highways of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. |
| 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. |
Photographs
