Plant · GBIF taxon 6109699
Phoenix dactylifera
phoenix dactyliferaAlso known as Date Palm, True Date Palm, Common Date Palm
Date palms grow as tall, single-stemmed or clustered trees topped by a crown of feather-like pinnate leaves that can reach several meters in length. These resilient palms thrive in arid environments, utilizing deep root systems to access groundwater while enduring intense heat and drought. Their wind-pollinated flowers produce heavy clusters of fibrous fruits that serve as vital resources for desert birds, mammals, and insects.
Drought-TolerantEvergreenArid-Loving
- diet
- Photosynthetic (requires full sun, water, and soil nutrients)
- family
- Arecaceae
- threats
- Red palm weevil infestations, lethal yellowing disease, and habitat loss in wild oases
- life Span
- 100 to 150 years
NE
Wild fruits have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone. Watch for sharp petiole spines.
- Avoid lower fronds: The leaflets near the base of the fronds are modified into extremely sharp, stiff spines that easily puncture skin.
- Observe the trunk: Look for the characteristic diamond-shaped scars left behind by old fallen leaves, which provide traction for climbing.
- Check for pollinators: Watch the massive hanging flower clusters in spring to spot various bees and wind-borne pollen clouds.