Accession Count: 2
Common Name:
Senegal date palm
Family Name:
Arecaceae
Botanical Name:
Phoenix reclinata
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Pho rec
Geographic Origin:
South Africa
Ecozone Origin:
Afrotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Senegal date palm originated in South Africa (2). Though it is unclear how it was transplanted to the United States it was likely due to its variety of uses. After introduction it flourished in places like Florida where it has been placed on the invasive species list. There ability to survive drought and salt exposure has allowed the Senegal date palm to remain a common landscaping plant, often found in parks and on golf courses in warm parts of the country.
Cultivation Notes:
The Senegal date palm is resistant to drought and can survive harsh conditions with little to no additional water. It is also tolerant to saline soil conditions, salt spray and high salt content water (2). This palm is also an effective spreader, so use in landscaping should be managed. A healthy plant will have multiple stems.
Ethnobotany:
The Senegal date palm has long been used as a food source by humans. Along with the fruit is the palm heart this is often harvested as an edible part of the plant in some African countries. The palm is also used to make carpets, brooms, kilts and other household materials (1). Its versatility allows for almost complete use of the plant, though the wood is not often used because of its lack of durability. The Senegal date palm is also simply used for beautification of yards, golf courses and public spaces. For animals, especially in its native habitat, it is a food source and habitat for birds and insects.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
1. Phoenix_reclinata
"Phoenix Reclinata." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation,
27 Nov. 2013. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.
2. plants.usda.gov
"Plants Profile for Phoenix Reclinata (Senegal Date
Palm)." Plants Profile for Phoenix Reclinata (Senegal Date
Palm). USDA, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2013.
