Phoenix dactylifera is a single-stemmed, evergreen palm tree growing 15 - 40 metres tall.
The unbranched stem is topped by a terminal crown of 100 - 120 leaves, each 4 - 7 metres long.
It is one of the longest cultivated plants, dating back at least 5,000 years.

Known Hazards

None known

Habitat

Cultivated in many dry tropical and subtropical areas; not found in a truly wild situation.

Cultivation Status

Cultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Date palm thrives in drier areas of the tropics up to 1,500 metres elevation.
Requires hot, dry conditions for good fruiting; fruit does not form well in cooler or moister climates.
Tolerates temperatures from -15°C when dormant to 52°C.
Prefers mean annual rainfall 200 - 300mm, but tolerates 100 - 400mm.
Needs well-drained soils, tolerant of salty soils, pH 6.5 - 8.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked, often dried and used in various culinary preparations.
Male inflorescence and pollen eaten as delicacies.
Sap tapped and used fresh, fermented into toddy, or distilled into arrack.
Apical bud eaten as vegetable (palm cabbage).

Medicinal

Date fruits are demulcent, expectorant, laxative; used for respiratory diseases, fevers.
Gum from tree used to treat diarrhoea.

Agroforestry Uses

Used for revegetation of salt-affected lands.
Provides shade without significantly affecting yields of other crops once mature.

Other Uses

Leaves used for thatching, making roofs, walls, baskets, hats, mats, and fencing.
Leaf fibres used for ropes, insulation boards.
Fruit extracts used in cosmetics as emollient, conditioner, skin protector.
Wood used in construction; stems used as fuel.

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak in warm water for 24 hours, sow in containers for germination in 2 - 3 months.
Seed viability 8 - 15 years at room temperature.
Division of suckers for propagation.