Senegal Date (Phoenix reclinata)
Regular price $24.95Graceful, Hardy, and Edible Palm
Senegal Date Palm (Phoenix reclinata), also called African Wild Date Palm or Reclinata Palm, is a beautiful multi-trunked palm native to tropical and subtropical Africa and Madagascar. Known for its elegant, arching fronds and edible fruit, this versatile palm grows across a wide range of soils and climates and makes a striking addition to tropical and subtropical landscapes.
Small, oval orange-brown fruits resemble dates and are edible, though they are less sweet and fleshy than cultivated dates (Phoenix dactylifera). The long, feathery fronds can reach 10–15 ft. in length, while the clumping growth habit creates dense clusters of slender trunks. Senegal Date Palm can reach 20–40 ft. tall with a 15–25 ft. spread, making it an impressive focal point for gardens, parks, and larger landscapes.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
In its native regions, Senegal Date Palm is valued for its edible fruit, which may be enjoyed fresh or dried and provides fiber and nutrients. The palm is also used in agroforestry for its ability to thrive in difficult conditions, while its attractive form and lush foliage make it a popular ornamental landscape plant.
Why Grow Senegal Date Palm?
- Produces edible orange-brown fruits that resemble small dates
- Forms an impressive clump of multiple slender trunks
- Long, feathery fronds create a lush tropical appearance
- Adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates
- Makes a striking focal point for tropical and subtropical landscapes
Growing Tips
Plant Senegal Date Palm in full sun to part shade and provide well-draining soil. Give it plenty of room to develop its multi-trunked, spreading growth habit, which can eventually reach 20–40 ft. tall and 15–25 ft. wide. Its adaptable nature makes it suitable for a variety of landscape conditions, while consistent moisture during establishment will encourage healthy growth. In colder climates, grow it in a container or provide protection from freezing temperatures.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Phoenix reclinata |
| Common Names | Senegal Date Palm, African Wild Date Palm, Reclinata Palm |
| Family | Arecaceae |
| Origin | Tropical and Subtropical Africa, Madagascar |
| Plant Type | Fruiting Palm |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 20–40 ft. tall, 15–25 ft. wide |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Soil & Moisture | Adaptable to a wide range of soils; well-draining soil preferred |
| Fruit | Small, oval, orange-brown; edible |
| Foliage | Feathery, arching fronds up to 10–15 ft. long |
| Growth Habit | Clumping, multi-trunked |
| Time to Fruit | Approximately 3–5 years from planting |
| Sex | Dioecious; male and female plants are separate |
| Pollination | A female plant requires a male plant for fruit production |
| Uses | Edible fruit, ornamental landscaping, agroforestry |
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