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Image
of
Phoenix dactylifera
or
Edible Date Palm
coming soon... |
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Phoenix dactylifera
(Edible Date Palm) |
Origin: Native to North Africa
Family: Lauraceae
Light: Sun-part shade/ight shade
Height: >40'
Spacing: 30'
Blooms: Repeated blooms, pale yellow, in early Spring
Fruits: Deep orange, oblong, has a woody seed; fruits are called
dates
Foliage: Bluish-green
Soil: Well-drained, rich (pH: 6.6-7.5, neutral), drought
tolerant when established
Water: Regular|
Uses:
Specimen, landscaping, mass planting
Propagation: Seeds, hardwood heel cuttings/suckers (in Spring)
Caution: Can be invasive. Leaves have sharp points
Comments:
Phoenix dactylifera
or
Edible Date Palm
is a fast growing slender looking fruit tree. The leaves are
spread out like a fountain. In late Winter or early Spring, it
repeatedly bears pale yellow blossoms which mature to fruits that taste nutritious
and are very sweet. The dates have been a very popular food in the
diet of the North Africans, Persians and Arabians.
Phoenix dactylifera
is a prolific self seeder and it suckers freely; these suckers can
be easily removed and propagated in a container or directly into the
ground.
A
male and a female plant are needed to produce fertile seeds. Edible
Date Palm is
fire retardant and it is a magnet for bees, birds and butterflies.
It tolerates drought well and has to be protected from frost. Phoenix
dactylifera makes excellent landscaping plants; it looks ornamental and
it adds a tropical flair to the garden.
USDA Hardiness Zones
: 8b-11 |
