Date (Phoenix dactylifera, Sp. Pl.: 1188 (1753))

Family: Arecaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1188 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phoenix

Vegetable: False

Observations: Arabian Pen. to S. Pakistan

Description

The Date palm, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera, is a prominent member of the Arecaceae family. This remarkable palm has a rich historical and cultural significance, especially in the Arabian Peninsula, which is considered its primary region of origin. Its range extends eastward to Southern Pakistan, showcasing its adaptability to arid and semi-arid climates.

The Date palm has been cultivated for thousands of years for its sweet fruit, which is an essential food source in many cultures. The plants thrive in hot climates and are particularly suited to desert regions, where they are often seen lining oases. The fruit, commonly known as dates, are cherished not only for their delicious flavor but also for their nutritional profile. Dates are high in fiber, natural sugars, and essential minerals, making them a staple in many diets around the world.

Characterized by its tall, slender trunk and feathery fronds, the Date palm contributes significantly to the landscape and economy of the regions it inhabits. Its aesthetic appeal and the shade it provides make it a valuable plant in urban landscaping as well as in agricultural settings.

The initial botanical classification of Phoenix dactylifera dates back to 1753 by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus, as recorded in “Species Plantarum” (Sp. Pl.: 1188). This historical reference highlights the longstanding recognition of the Date palm’s importance in botany and horticulture.

Overall, the Date palm stands as a symbol of life and sustenance in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Its enduring presence is a testament to its resilience and the deep connection between humans and this extraordinary plant.

Common Names

Eng: date palm, date, date-palm
Deu: dattel-palme, dattelpalme
Tur: hurma
Mlt: palma
Swe: dadelpalm
Fra: dattier, palmier dattier
Hun: közönséges datolyapálma
Ara: nakhl
Por: palmeira-datilifera, tamareira
Spa: palmera datilera
Dan: ægte daddelpalme
Nld: dadel
En: Date, Date palm, Keureuma, Korma, Date-palm
Af: Dadelpalm
Am: ተምር
Ar: Nakhl, نخلة التمر, Nachl nakla
As: খেজুৰ
Az: İran xurması
Bm: Ntamaro
Eu: Datil palmondo
Be: Фінікавая пальма, Від, Фінік ядомы
Bn: খেজুর
Bs: Datula
Bg: Обикновена финикова палма
My: စွန်ပလွံပင်
Ca: Palmera datilera, Fasser, Palmera de dàtils
Zh: 椰枣, 海枣
Hr: Datulja
Cs: Datlovník pravý
Da: Ægte Daddelpalme
Nl: Dadelpalm, Dadel
Eo: Daktilopalmo
Et: Datlipalm
Fi: Taatelipalmu, Välimerentaateli
Fr: Palmier dattier, Dattier, Palmier-dattier, Phénix dattier, Fruits les dattes
Ff: Dibinoohi
Gl: Datileira
De: Dattelpalme, Echte Dattelpalme, Dattel-Palme
El: Χουρμαδιά
Gu: ખજૂર
He: תמר מצוי
Hi: खजूर
Hu: Közönséges datolyapálma
Is: Döðlupálmi
Io: Dateliero
Id: Kurma
Ia: Palma de Dactylo
Ga: Pailm dátaí
It: Dattero, Dattolo, Palma da datteri
Jv: Kurma
Kn: ಖರ್ಜೂರದ ಹಣ್ಣು
Kk: Құрма
Ko: 대추야자
Ku: Qesp
Lv: Dateļpalma
Lt: Datulinis finikas
Mg: Antrendry (maniry)
Ms: Pokok kurma
Ml: ഈന്തപ്പന
Mt: Palma
Mr: खजूर
Ne: छोकडाको बोट
No: Daddel, Daddelpalme
Pa: ਖਜੂਰ
Ps: کجوره
Fa: خرما
Pl: Daktylowiec właściwy
Pt: Tamareira, Palmeira-datilifera
Ro: Finic
Ru: Финик пальчатый
Sa: खर्जूरम्
Sc: Pramma de datteros
Gd: Craobh-phailm
Sr: Датула
Sd: کجي
Sk: Datľovník obyčajný
So: Geed Timir
Es: Palmera datilera, Pravi datljevec
Su: Korma
Sv: Dadelpalm
Tl: Datilero
Tg: Хурмо
Ta: பேரீச்சை
Te: ఖర్జూరం
Th: อินทผลัม
Tr: Hurma
Tk: Hurma
Uk: Фінік їстівний
Ur: کھجور
Vi: Chà là
Wa: Pålmî ås dates
Cy: Palmwydden ddatys
Wo: Tàndarma
Yi: טייטלבוים

Synonyms

• Phoenix dactylifera var. costata (Becc.)
• Phoenix chevalieri (D.Rivera, S.Ríos & Obón)
• Phoenix iberica (D.Rivera, S.Ríos & Obón)
• Phoenix dactylifera var. cylindrocarpa (Mart.)
• Phoenix dactylifera var. adunca (D.H.Christ ex Becc.)
• Macrozamia tridentata var. pungens (J.Schust.)
• Phoenix dactylifera var. sylvestris (Mart.)
• Zamia pallida (Salisb.)
• Phoenix atlantica var. maroccana (A.Chev.)
• Phoenix excelsior (Cav.)
• Palma major (Garsault)
• Phoenix dactylifera var. sphaerosperma (Mart.)
• Zamia pungens (L.f. ex Aiton)
• Palma dactylifera ((L.) Mill.)
• Encephalartos pungens ((L.f. ex Aiton) Lehm.)
• Phoenix dactylifera var. oxysperma (Mart.)
• Phoenix dactylifera var. sphaerocarpa (Mart.)
• Phoenix dactylifera var. gonocarpa (Mart.)
• Phoenix dactylifera var. oocarpa (Mart.)

Distribution

• Gulf States (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Afghanistan (introduced)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• Chad (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• Egypt (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Gambia (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Libya (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Mali (introduced)
• Mauritania (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Mozambique Channel I (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Palestine (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Sinai (introduced)
• Socotra (introduced)
• Somalia (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Turkey (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Western Sahara (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Sep 13, 2021 by Irmi Wagn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2022 by Rvt 063 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2019 by jacques parant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Kuno von der Parthe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Christina Schildwächter (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 27, 2020 by Marie Hanakova-Grulichova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 17, 2019 by Abdookhattab Abdookhattab (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Kuno von der Parthe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Richard granel (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 13, 2019 by Nicolas Luarte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2021 by Paige Cussons (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2019 by Abderrahim Abderrahim Lamari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Steven Kos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2020 by Henri Berthelot (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 21, 2019 by gbb prototype (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2019 by gbb prototype (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2021 by ljutika (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2016 by Carlo Licht Figueroa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2020 by Del Pozo Gonzalo (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Nov 8, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Jardin Botanique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2019 by Pablo Da Silva (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2019 by Fama’ Francesco (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2020 by 13 Astor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2020 by 13 Astor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2018 by Iago Casabiell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2018 by gianni del bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6109699)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:668912-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth