Date Palm

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is a flowering plant species in the palm family Arecaceae, cultivated for its sweet fruit. It has been a staple food and a source of wealth in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East for thousands of years.

Description

The Date Palm is a large palm, growing up to 20–25 m (66–82 ft) tall. It has long, slender leaves about 4–6 m (13–20 ft) long, with spines on the petiole and about 150 leaflets. The full span of the crown ranges from 6–10 m (20–33 ft).

Cultivation and uses

Date Palms are grown extensively for their edible fruits in many regions including the Middle East, North Africa, and the United States (particularly California and Arizona). The date fruit is known for its high energy content, and is often consumed in dried form.

History

The Date Palm has been cultivated since approximately 6000 B.C. Its use has been traced back to ancient Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley for thousands of years.

Cultivars

There are many cultivars of Date Palm including 'Medjool', 'Deglet Noor', 'Zahidi', and 'Barhi'. 'Medjool' is one of the most expensive and is known for its large size and succulent texture.

Propagation

Date Palms are propagated from seed or more commonly, from offshoots (pups) that grow at the base of the mother plant.

Pests and diseases

Date Palms can be affected by a number of diseases, including Bayoud disease, a fungal disease, and are also susceptible to pests like the Dubas bug and Red Palm Weevil.

See also

• List of date cultivars
• Palm wine
• Jaggery