Phoenix reclinata

Common names

Senegal Date Palm.

Curiosities

Leaves and petioles are used to make baskets and mats. The sap of apical bud and inflorescences is used to make the ‘palm wine’. The dates can be eaten.

Origin

Senegal and tropical Africa in general.

Habitat

Riverbanks of tropical Africa, and near the Atlantic coast in rather dry places.

Morphology

A clumping palm, with slender curved trunks covered with the scars of fallen leaves. Arched, pinnate leaves with pinnae unevenly distributed along rachis and in different planes. Inflorescence growing among the base of leaves. Ovoid, brown, edible but quite astringent fruits.

Climate

Tropical to temperate. Frost resistant. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –2.9ºC (26.7ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

Seeds germinate easily and fast, in about one month.

Growing

A beautiful clumping palm, strong and tough. Prefers plenty of water and nitrogen rich fertilizers. Good in full sun.