Phoenix sylvestris

Phoenix sylvestris, also known as the Silver Date Palm, Indian Date, Sugar Date Palm or Wild Date Palm, is a species of flowering plant in the palm family Arecaceae, native to southern Asia from India east to Myanmar and to the Andaman Islands.

Description

Phoenix sylvestris grows up to 15 m in height and 40 cm in diameter in a slow but steady manner. It is a solitary palm, noted for its distinctive silver-blue leaves. The leaves are 3 m long, with numerous slender leaflets up to 30 cm long. The full span of the crown ranges from 6–10 m.

Distribution and habitat

Phoenix sylvestris is widespread in its distribution from India, Nepal, Bangladesh to Myanmar. It is commonly found in plains, scrubland and on dry hill slopes up to an altitude of 1300 m. It prefers full sun and is tolerant of most soil types.

Uses

Phoenix sylvestris is a multipurpose tree having various uses. The sap is tapped and drunk fresh or fermented into toddy. The sap can also be boiled down to make palm sugar. Its leaves are used for thatching, mats, baskets, fans, hats, umbrellas, and as a writing material.

Cultivation

Phoenix sylvestris is cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks worldwide. It is also grown for its edible sweet fruit, and for its sap, which is used to make a sweet syrup.

Conservation

Phoenix sylvestris is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction, but its habitat is shrinking due to human activities, including agriculture and construction.

See also

• List of Phoenix species
• Arecaceae

References

Phoenix sylvestris Resources
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