Phoenix sylvestris

Common names

Silver Date Palm, Sugar Date Palm, Wild Date Palm, India Date Palm, Khajuri.

Curiosities

The tip of unopened inflorescences is cut off to obtain the sap, which can be concentrated to the sugar palm “jaggery”. The leaves were used to weave different tools and to make brooms.

Origin

India.

Habitat

Coastal planes and inland areas.

Morphology

Similar to canariensis. Greyish -reen, slightly waxy leaves. Yellow, edible but astringent and acid fruits.

Climate

Rather resistant, from tropical to temperate. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to –5.6ºC (22ºF, USDA Zone 9a).

Germination

Easy, like in most Phoenix.

Growing

Fast grower. Can be grown both in coastal and inland areas. Prefers a sunny, well-drained position. Frost tolerant.