Phoenix reclinata aka Senegal Date Palm

Phoenix reclinata, the Senegal date palm, belongs to the palm family. It comes from tropical and southern Africa, Comoros, and Madagascar. Its native range also reaches the southwest Arabian Peninsula. It grows in open woods, scrub, and along streams. These sites give roots access to water below ground. The species has Least Concern status, though some habitats face loss.

This evergreen palm forms clumps of slim, curved trunks. Garden plants reach about 25–35 feet [7.6–10.7 metres] tall. Their spread is about 12–20 feet [3.7–6.1 metres]. Some sources give a smaller height of 20 feet [6 metres]. New shoots grow around the base of older clumps. Brown, fibrous bark lies just below each crown. Lower trunks turn grey and smooth, with close rings. Old leaf bases may stay attached to the trunk. Green, pinnate fronds form crowns above the bare lower stems. UF/IFAS gives frond lengths of 12–15 feet [3.7–4.6 metres]. The palm has spines, which pose a physical hazard.

White flowers grow on orange, branched panicles among the leaves. Plants carry either male or female flowers, not both. Wind carries pollen, and seed production needs both sexes. Female plants bear fleshy, egg-shaped dates that turn reddish brown. The fruit measures about half an inch to one inch long. People eat the fruit raw or cooked. They also use it to make wine. Roasted seeds serve as a coffee substitute. Sources list no known toxic hazards; this does not remove the danger from spines.

Grow this palm in full sun or partial shade. It accepts clay, sand, or loam with good drainage. It also grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Give it water during drought, despite its moderate drought tolerance. UF/IFAS places it in USDA zones 9b–11. Sources differ on frost tolerance, so cold remains a concern. Growth estimates also vary from slow to moderate. Seed and division of basal shoots provide ways to propagate it.

Its size suits parks and large gardens rather than small plots. Low shrubs or groundcover can frame its exposed trunks. Strongly leaning trunks may need braces or cables. Scale insects, leaf spot, and several serious diseases can affect it. These include lethal yellowing, lethal bronzing, and Ganoderma butt rot. Avoid trunk damage and prolonged wetness around the trunk. UF/IFAS classes it as invasive in southern Florida.