Phoenix dactylifera

Common names

Date Palm.

Curiosities

Named dactylifera because of the finger-shaped fruits. One of the most appreciated varieties is Deglet-en-nour, meaning light fingers because of the effect of sunlight through the ripen fruits.

During the wars of North African tribes, the worst act of war (even worst than poisoning water, steeling, raping or killing) was to cut the male palms of an oasis. Nutrition of these people was based on the products obtain from camels, milk and meat, and dates. By cutting down the scarce male palms, only some male palms were planted since they do not produce fruit and a single one can fertilize by wind hundreds of female palms, they made sure that the oasis would not produce fruits for a long time, until a new male palm would grow, flower and fruit.

Origin

North Africa and Middle East.

Habitat

Cultivated, in very old oasis (green areas in the middle of the desert, next to surface water and also with subterranean water which the palms can extract from a big depth).

Morphology

Together with Cocos nucifera, this is the palm par excellence. Can be mistaken with the Canary Island Date Palm, P. canariensis, but has usually more grey leaves, and a more stout but less erect trunk. Seen as an ornamental solitary palm, it in fact has suckers on its base. Adult plants can reach 40 m tall. The base of the trunk is often covered with the old roots.

Climate

Temperate to tropical. Frost tolerant. One of the most tough palms. In cold areas the palms grow normally but do not produce fertile fruits. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –7.5ºC (18.5ºF, USDA Zone 8b).

Germination

Germination is easy. Can be propagated by suckers.

Growing

Propagated in origin by suckers. Many varieties are difficult to export because of the ban in the country of origin and the phytosanitary requirements of the destination countries. Some more or less illegal imports of adult plants from Egypt have brought to Spain serious pests like the red palm weevil (although once established this beetle has preferred mainly P. canariensis). Can be grown near the coast, since it is salinity tolerant.