Date Palm

Phoenix dactylifera L.

FEE-nix  dack-till-IF-err-ah

Arecaceae

Explanation of name: for Phoenix, see P. canariensis. Datcylifera means “finger bearing,” presumably describing the finger-shaped dates.

Natural range: Africa (and anciently in Middle East). Desert, oasis

Recognition: Suckering (but often appearing single-trunked) large, pinnate-leaved palms with blue-green leaves tending to be oriented upward like a badminton birdie. (There can be drooping leaves, but these are often pruned off.)  The fruits (dates) are long and contain a long narrow stone. For comparison with related species, see Phoenix canariensis.

            Cultivars (for discussion of using these in the landscape see “Differences in Dactyliferas” (http://www.datepalm.com/palminfo/differences.asp).

‘Medjool’ is an ancient silvery-green cultivar regarded as broad in its tolerances, especially to the moist, disease-inducing conditions in Florida. This species is regarded as a “soft date.”

‘Zahidi’ has especially silvery leaves, a little more upright, and forming a slightly denser canopy than ‘Medjool’. Its semi-dry date is rounder than the finger-shaped ‘Medjool’ date.

‘Deglet Noor’ (Arabic for “translucent”) may be comparatively inexpensive and transplants adequately but has a thin canopy and is prone to lose its lower leaves after transplanting. It is reputedly disease-prone in Florida. ‘Deglet Noor’ is cultivated commercially in California for its semi-dry dates but should be given a second thought before ornamental use in South Florida.

Landscape uses: Formal, eye-catching highlights that demand space. Often used for entrances and in rows, and for settings where uplighting is employed. Germination in 2-3 months (ELL).

Additional notes: This is the source of edible dates, though Date Palms don’t usually fruit abundantly in Florida. As with other Phoenix species, there are separate male and female individuals.