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Phoenix sylvestris - (L.)Roxb.

Wild Date Plum

Author	(L.)Roxb.	Botanical references	200
Family	Palmae	Genus	Phoenix
Synonyms
Known Hazards	None known
Range	E. Asia - Himalayas from western India to Nepal and Myanmar.
Habitat	Not known
Edibility Rating	1 (1-5)	Medicinal Rating	0 (1-5)

Physical Characteristics

Tree growing to 15m.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Habitats

Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Fruit. Of a very inferior character[2]. Sap - it can be concentrated into a syrup or fermented into alcohol[2]. One of the main sources of sugar in Bengal[2]. The sap is obtained from the unopened inflorescence[171]. The tip of this is cut off and the sap then flows from this cut. The flow can be up to 5 litres a day for several months, it contains about 14% sugar[171]. See also [1].

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivation details

Requires an open sunny position[231]. One of the most frost-hardy members of the genus. 200555

Propagation

Links

References

[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[2] Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Lots of entries, quite a lot of information in most entries and references.

[171] Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press 1952
Not very comprehensive, but it is quite readable and goes into some a bit of detail about the plants it does cover.

[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[231] McMillan-Browse. P. Palms for Cooler Climates. Trebah Enterprises. 1993 ISBN 0 9521952 0 8
An excellent little booklet on the subject, though it does not mention many plant uses.

Readers Comments

Plants for a Future does not verify the accuracy of reader comments, use at your own risk. In particular Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. You should always consult a professional before using plants medicinally.

Phoenix sylvestris

Sat Aug 9 19:42:03 2003

We have two date palms in our yard and I have been told that there is something you can do to prevent them from growing the dates. Is this true? I would appreciate any info. The trees are getting too tall for anyone to climb and cut the dates out - so therefore they fall all over, very messy and the dog eats them and becomes ill. Help! Write: RS54313@netscape.net

Phoenix sylvestris

h.s shankar ram Sun Apr 9 2006

if u can extract the sap that contains sugar by a mass cultivation and covert to alcohol or even gasol by zeolites ;shall it really be an ideal renewable power .

Phoenix sylvestris

william Fri Jun 22 2007

i just buy phoenix sylvestis 200tree height: 3m-5m trunk height clear. it just arrived from india i want to know the bet treatment should be done??? should it be placed in halfsun or in fullsun? should it be given hormon such as b1 or not? should it be given soil or river san as growth media?? please give advise based on long term expiriensis..... maybe someone could help me in the treatment of p.sylvestris??? the plant arraived with rootball raped in cocopeat 5cms....

Phoenix sylvestris

John Springer Wed Oct 24 2007

What is the difference between a Phoenix sylvestris, a Phoenix dactylifera and a Phoenix dactylifera x sylvestris? I am a Residential Landscape Designer and my Landscape Contractor needs to know the difference between each of these species, if there is a difference. Please respond as quickly as possible. Thank you!

Phoenix sylvestris

Sat Jan 19 2008

1 . Phoenix Silvestris is very hardy and need full sun , no need of extra care , it can be survive in the desert without water or in excess water conditions . though it likes organic feeding . ( Willam ) 2 . They are mutants devoleps by cross pounation naturally . silvestris has a yellow thorns and thick stem with bit broader leaves , it makes thick foliage . fruits are not pulpy . P. Dectylifera has slim stems with eadible pulpy fruits . foliage is not thic like sylvestris. ( ajayvansh@hotmail.com ) 3 . It is very good rich food , millions of people use daily in india and middle east.

Phoenix sylvestris

Alex Thu Dec 4 2008

will Phoenix sylvestris survive clorinated water spray from the nearby fountain? any one have the experience please reply.or which other plant is an alternative for the same location.

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