Senegal date palm (Phoenix reclinata, Fragm. 1: 27 (1858))

Family: Arecaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Fragm. 1: 27 (1858)

Year: 1858

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phoenix

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Comoros, Madagascar, SW. Arabian Pen.

Description

The Senegal date palm, scientifically known as Phoenix reclinata, is a distinctive and resilient member of the Arecaceae family. First described in botanical literature by Jacquin in 1858, this palm is widely distributed across tropical and southern regions of Africa, as well as in the Comoros, Madagascar, and the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula.

One of the key features of Phoenix reclinata is its elegant, arching fronds which create a graceful canopy, characteristic of classic palm aesthetics. Typically growing in clumps, this palm can reach varying heights, often displaying a multitude of slender, brown trunks that may recline or curve, thus contributing to its common name.

The Senegal date palm thrives in varied habitats ranging from coastal regions to inland savannas, adapting exceptionally well to its surroundings. Its deep-rooting system allows it to withstand periods of drought, making it a robust choice for landscapes seeking both beauty and durability. Additionally, this species is known for its tolerance to saline conditions, often found in brackish environments.

Phoenix reclinata bears small, yellow to brownish dates that, while not as commercially valuable as those of its close relative Phoenix dactylifera, serve as an important food source for wildlife. The flowers of this palm are also noteworthy, producing inflorescences that are closely packed and highly attractive to pollinators.

Culturally and economically, the Senegal date palm plays a variety of roles. Its leaves are often harvested for craft making, utilized in weaving baskets, mats, and roofing thatch. In several regions, the palm sap is tapped and fermented to produce a traditional beverage.

Due to its hardiness and ornamental appeal, Phoenix reclinata is increasingly popular in landscape architecture, providing a tropical ambiance to both public and private gardens. Its ability to adapt to different soil types and withstand adverse conditions makes it an excellent choice for gardeners and landscapers aiming for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing designs.

In summary, the Senegal date palm stands out not just for its ornamental value, but also for its versatility and ecological importance in the regions where it is indigenous. Whether appreciated for its historical significance or its practical applications, Phoenix reclinata remains a vital and cherished species in the diverse world of palms.

Common Names

Eng: senegal date palm, reclining date palm, wild date palm, senegal date
Deu: senegal-dattelpalme
Fra: dattier du ségégal, dattier du senegal
Hau: kajinjiri
Swa: mkindu, mkindwi
En: Senegal date palm, Wild date palm, Isundu, Reclining date palm, Senegal date, Wild datepalm
Af: Wilde dadelpalm, Wildedadelboom, Wildedadelpalm
Ar: نخلة متدلية
Cs: Datlovník senegalský
Fi: Afrikantaateli
Fr: Dattier du Ségégal, Dattier du Senegal, Dattier du Sénégal, Palmier du Sénégal
Gl: Palmeira do Senegal
De: Senegal-Dattelpalme, Senegalesische Dattelpalme
Ha: Kajinjiri
Rw: Umukindo
Lt: Lenktalapis finikas
Pl: Daktylowiec nagięty
Pt: Tamareira-do-senegal
Sn: Chinzu, Kanjedza, Muchindwe, Muchingwi
Sw: Ukindu, Mkindu, Mkindwi

Synonyms

• Phoenix djalonensis (A.Chev.)
• Phoenix equinoxialis (Bojer)
• Fulchironia senegalensis (Lesch.)
• Phoenix dybowskii (A.Chev.)
• Phoenix reclinata var. comorensis ((Becc.) Jum. & H.Perrier)
• Phoenix comorensis (Becc.)
• Phoenix abyssinica (Drude)
• Phoenix reclinata var. somalensis (Becc.)
• Phoenix spinosa (Schumach. & Thonn.)
• Phoenix reclinata var. madagascariensis (Becc.)
• Phoenix leonensis (Lodd.)
• Phoenix baoulensis (A.Chev.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Caprivi Strip (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Congo (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 3, 2019 by yogesh pal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2020 by ibarra gloriette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2020 by msaed ismail (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 16, 2021 by lima Robson (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2021 by Jiménez Monge Carolyn (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 2, 2019 by maciel waldi ery (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2020 by Ricord John (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Viktor netek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2021 by CaFola cafola (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 17, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Raffi Kojian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)

Taken Aug 1, 1993 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Sigrid Spangenberg (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by Isabel Pascual (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2020 by Geoff Halpin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2021 by Silva Costa Marcela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Ana Guerra (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 7, 2020 by chrislynn Pillay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2022 by HiasTheDeaf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Sune Holt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Oswaldo Solano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2018 by lisa (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Espinoza-Zevallos Marco Elías (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Zach Barrett (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5293164)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:668943-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phoenix reclinata Jacq.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth