Date palm - Phoenix dactylifera (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Edible)

Date palm

Date palm (*Phoenix dactylifera*) is an evergreen tree with a strong, upright trunk and gracefully arching, feather-like fronds. It is drought tolerant and suitable for escaping. It is fire retardant, has pale yellow blooms, and produces an abundance of edible, orange fruit. This tree can live up to 75 years and grow to 24 m tall.

Scientific classification

Species

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera)

Palms, bullanocks, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Palm

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

All year round

Harvest Time

35 m

Plant Height

6 m to 12 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Red, Yellow, Orange

Fruit Color

White, Cream

Flower Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Date palm

Distribution of Date palm

Distribution Map

Native to the middle eastern countries of Saudi Arabia and Iran, the date palm has been introduced to Africa, Asia, North America and Australia. Its native habitats include coastal areas and wetlands. In its warmer regions, it is kept as a fruit crop and ornamental plant.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Gardens, commercial plantations

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Date palm is a popular tree in yards prized for its clusters of small fruits. It is commonly used for the fruit it produces and is an essential tree in Mediterranean gardens. Plant bromeliads, crotons, orchids, cordylines, caladiums, hibiscus, and cannas with it to add color and texture.

Symbolism

Victory and success

Name Story

Date palm: The specific epithet, dactylifera comes from the Greek words daktylos, which means "date" and fero which means "I bear". The fruit's English name , as well as the Latin both come from the Greek word for "finger", because of the fruit's elongated shape. Therefore, it is called the date palm.

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Care Guide for Date palm

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Date palm thrives in arid regions and exhibits high drought tolerance. It prefers dry conditions, requiring watering once every 1-2 weeks, with soil allowed to dry out between sessions. Its deep root system efficiently utilizes water during heat and infrequent rain.

Fertilize: For date palm, apply high-phosphorus fertilizer at planting for root growth, then use balanced fertilizers during growth. Fertilize semi-annually at the start of warm seasons and mid-fall, adjusting rates for size and soil. Avoid over-fertilization; distribute evenly around the drip line.

Pruning: Date palm thrives with proper pruning, ideally in early spring. Remove dead fronds and inflorescences, and prune old fruit stalks after harvest to enhance air circulation and minimize disease risk. This timing supports healthy growth, improving the plant's vigor, yield, and overall aesthetics.

Propagation: Date palm is mainly propagated from seeds, but for consistency, vegetative methods like offshoots and tissue culture are preferred. Offshoots create clones of the mother plant, while tissue culture allows for mass production. Ensuring soil consistency and expertise in techniques is essential for success.

Repotting: Repot date palm every 1-2 years in spring for optimal growth. Use a large container to support its robust size. After repotting, provide full sun and adjust watering to aid root recovery, ensuring a successful transition for date palm.

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