Phoenix Dactylifera: The Significance of a Good Date
Sweet date fruits grow in arid climates in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, where they have many cultural and religious ties.
BRIT Collections
Botanical Research Institute of Texas | Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Plant specimen (2008) by Victor KorniyenkoBRIT Collections
Date palm tree
Phoenix dactylifera, more commonly known as the date palm, is one of the most important trees throughout the Middle East, Northern Africa, and South Asia. Date trees thrive across the Middle East, thanks to their ability to adapt to the harsh, arid environment.
An Arabic saying states that date palm trees grow "with their feet in the water and their heads in the fire." The tree grows with its roots submerged deep in underground water sources while enduring the intense heat of the sun above.
Phoenix dactylifera
The date palm is a beautiful ornamental tree that thrives in hot, arid climates. It also produces a sweet edible fruit that is important in many different cultures. It has long been an reliable source of food in inhospitable climates.
Historical trees
Ancient records show that date trees have been cultivated for over 5,000 years, making them among the longest-cultivated plants in the world.
Tall and abundant
Phoenix dactylifera can grow up to 100 feet tall. It often grows with a single trunk but can also be found as a cluster of several trunks. At the top of the trunk sit bunches of red fruits (dates) cultivated for food, medicine, and religious ceremonies.
Etymology
The species name dactylifera translates to "finger-bearing" in Latin, referring to the finger-shaped fruits called dates. The word is formed by a combination of the Greek word dactylus ("finger") and the Latin word ferous ("bearing").
The average date palm tree produces around 90 pounds of fruit annually. Date fruits are harvested by hand, with the worker climbing the trunk of the tree and using a long sloped hook tool to loosen the fruits.
Date Palm (2015-01-01/2015-05-31) by Andrew FranksThe Prince's Foundation
Dates in the Quran
Culturally, dates hold a special place; they've been a staple food for centuries, representing hospitality and abundance. Dates remain an important food in Islam, and they are the ritualistic food used to break the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Plant specimen (2021-01-08) by AKCD2BRIT Collections
Naturally sweet
Date fruits are high in energy, reaching between 72-88% sugar content at maturity. Dates are central to traditional Middle Eastern cuisine and celebrations; an enduring symbol of both sustenance and cultural heritage.
Tundun Tejuoso cutting dates (2019)The Centenary Project
Adaptable dates
Dates are sold and consumed in a number of ways including pitted and unpitted, raw or dehydrated. Dates are often made into juice, syrup, paste, and honey. They are used in baked goods and desserts as they provide a natural sweetness: a good alternative to processed sugar.
Tap to explore
Take a walk
Date palm trees can be seen at the foot of the iconic Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, UAE. Take a virtual walk to admire the trees that provide food as well as beauty.
Phoenix dactylifera and the Significance of a Good Date
Story created by Alyssa Kosyaem, Philecology Herbarium, Botanical Research Institute of Texas and Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
References:
Chao, C. T., & Krueger, R. R. (2007). The Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.): Overview of Biology, Uses, and Cultivation, HortScience horts, 42(5), 1077-1082. https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/42/5/article-p1077.xml
Friedman, M.H., Andreu, M.G., Quintana, H.V., & McKenzie, M. (2022). Phoenix dactylifera, Date Palm. FOR 252. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/FR/FR314/FR314-D64tuq6859.pdf
Zaid, A. and de Wet, P.F. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Chapter 1: Botanical and Systematic Description of the Date Palm. https://www.fao.org/3/Y4360E/y4360e05.htm
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