Reclinata Palm 

Phoenix reclinata

Senegal Date Palm

Cold hardy

 

The Phoenix Reclinata is a clumping palm sometimes called a Senegal Date Palm because it is native to the semi-arid plains of Senegal in the northeastern part of sub-Saharan Africa.  This unusual palm grows in huge clumps that can make a striking statement in the landscape. 

 

The fruit, called a date, follows the female flower. (Male and female flowers are on separate plants.)  The fruit is similar to the dates we buy in the store but is smaller, has less flesh and is mostly seed.  The fruit is edible but doesn’t taste very good.

 

Compared to other palms this date is a relatively fast grower.  Its feathery crown and slender trunk produces a dramatic effect with spot lighting at night.    

 

Specifications

 

The Reclinata Palm prefers bright, sunny locations but will grow in part shade/part sun.  They are moderately drought tolerant but will look more attractive and grows faster if periodically watered. 

 

Grow in USDA Zones 9-11.  The Phoenix Reclinata can handle temperatures as low as around 25 degrees F.  They have a slow growth rate.

 

The Reclinata Palm is moderately salt resistant and can be used at the beach if set back and somewhat protected.  It as a poor tolerance for salt in the soil.

 

Grows as clumps composed of multiple stems reaching 25 ft to 50 ft in height. These slender stems are covered with brown fiber and tend to curve away from the center of the clump in graceful arcs. They are topped by crowns of dark green to yellow green pinnate (feather shaped) fronds. The leaves are up to 8-15 ft long and about 3 ft wide and recurve attractively toward the ground.  

 

Spacing

 

The Reclinata grows to a height of 25 to 35 feet and has a spread of 12 to 20 feet. 

 

In most cases this palm is probably too large for all but the largest residential landscapes and is usually used in commercial applications

 

 Care 

 

Without pruning the Reclinata tends to grow into a tangled mass of stems and leaves.  Remove many of the suckers and trim away the lower fronds so that the gracefully curving stems can be enjoyed.

 

The leaf stem is armored with vicious needles near the trunk so take care when pruning.

 

Senegal Date Palm will thrive in well-drained soil. Plants should receive adequate moisture during periods of drought.

 

Landscaping with Reclinata Palms

 

• use this tree as a dramatic specimen plant for large yards, parks, and other spacious areas. 

 

• particularly impressive displayed against large structures as backdrops where its gracefully curving stems are best appreciated. 

 

• a great potted specimen for the patio when young, it is a durable palm that also thrives in large containers and other confined areas in urban landscapes.

 

• grown in tight masses of stems, foliage and with its long sharp spines - these make great barrier plants for creating impenetrable hedges.