Phoenix reclinata Senegal date palm (Palmae) Evergreen tree

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Phoenix reclinata
Senegal date palm
Evergreen tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Phoenix reclinata plant species is found in S. Africa. It is a member of the Palmae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Senegal date palm. Some home gardeners know the variety as P. leonensis. P. spinosa.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Phoenix reclinata
Common Name:  Senegal date palm
Family:  Palmae
Author:  Jacq.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  6   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  Open forests, savannah woodland or low scrub thickets, usually in alluvial soils in positions such as near the banks of streams where there is permanent access to ground water, even if deep down.

Cultivation Notes: Requires a light moist but very well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun[231]. Succeeds in dry soils and is also tolerant of poor soils. Plants are tolerant of light shade, though they will not fruit when growing in such a position. Capable of withstanding light frosts, this plant is worth trying outdoors in the very mildest parts of Britain[166]. Although certainly not hardy when young, this palm is unusually hardy when mature[231]. Palms usually have deep penetrating root systems and generally establish best when planted out at a young stage. However, older plants are substantially more cold tolerant than juvenile plants[231]. In areas at the limit of their cold tolerance, therefore, it is prudent to grow the plants in containers for some years, giving them winter protection, and only planting them into their permanent positions when sheer size dictates[231]. This species can be cultivated successfully for a long time in containers[231]. It can also be transplanted even when very large[231]. Although the thick fleshy roots are easily damaged and/or dessicated, new roots are generally freely produced. It is important to stake the plant very firmly to prevent rock, and also to give it plenty of water until re-established - removing many of the leaves can also help[231]. It takes 5 - 6 years from seed before the plant will have produced a full head of leaves and it will not start to form a trunk until this stage is reached[231]. Plants often form suckers around their base[231]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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