Phoenix dactylifera

Common Names:
Date Palm

Habitat:
Middle-east, and northern African desert regions.

Description:
Large (to about 20m), attractive, suckering, feather palm with greenish/grey leaves. It is also dioecious, meaning each plant is either male or female, not both, as in most palms.

General:
Probably the second most well-known palm after the coconut ( Cocos nucifera ), this palm produces dates. However, despite this palm being extremely adaptable to differing growing conditions, from hot, dry deserts, to wet tropics, and thru to cold-temperate regions, it will only produce dates in the hot, dry climates. It is also very salt-tolerant, making it good for coastal planting.

Culture:
As mentioned, a very hardy palm, which will grow almost anywhere, apart from very cold areas, and whose only unconditional requirement is full sun.