Arecaceae - Palm family
SA Tree no 22
This tree normally grows in groups, and is only found on river banks and in river beds. The normal height is 3 - 6 m, with moderate density.
It is a reclining, multi-stemmed palm, often with no stems visible, the old stems leaning far over, curving upwards again near the apex, and has large, fern-like leaves which come directly off the stems.
Links with animals - The fruit is eaten by mousebirds, elephant (who also eat roots and leaves) baboon and monkey (who also eat the shoots). The larvae of the large brown butterfly, (palm tree night fighter, Zaphotetes dysmephilai) feeds off the leaves.
Human uses - While the fruit is edible, it has little flesh. The sap is used to brew beer, and the leaves to weave mats and hats. Fibres on the fruiting stems are used to make brushes and brooms.
Gardening - This palm will grow well when generously watered in a warm garden, especially in rich soil. Once grown, it will edible fruits. It is not drought or frost-resistant, does not grow from seed and is extremely slow growing.
Leaves - Compound, pinnate, or feather-shaped, 3 - 4 m long, fern-like and come off at the end of the stems. The lowest leaflets are reduced to spines.
(1 000 - 3 000 mm)
Flowers - Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees; female flowers are yellow-green; globose, insignificant; calyx cup-shaped; petals 3 rounded; ovary with 3 free carpels; 6 vestigial stamens; forms short, branched heads among leaf bases; male flowers are yellow-cream, calyx cup-shaped; petals 3; stamens 6, joined at base; ovary vestigial; forming large showy sprays and producing clouds of dust-like pollen. The flowers grow in bunches at the point where the young leaves join the branches. The male flowers have prominent stamens. Flowering takes place from August to November. (Single: 30 mm)
Fruit - Grape-like fruits, smaller than those of the lala palm, are borne in bunches. Fruit turns brown when ripe, from February to April, and bright orange when mature. While edible and sweet when ripe, the fruit tastes astringent when green. (15 x 23 mm)
Best places to see the Wild Date Palm in Southern Africa:
The Wild Date Palm is found in the Kruger National Park in the Riverine Communities ecozone.
 Tree species of Southern Africa >> Printable Tree List <<
South African Trees >> Printable Tree List <<
The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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