#227 Phoenix roebelenii Common Names: miniature date palm, pygmy date palm Family: Arecacea/Palmae (palm Family) Get link to this Profile or click for Datasheet

A big bed of pygmy date palms planted in a neat grid are a centerpiece of Miami Beach's fabulous Lincoln Road Mall.

Cream colored flowers are held on short, 1 ft (0.3 m) inflorescences and are followed by small black dates on the female plants (male flowers are borne on a separate plant). Although this palm is single stemmed most nurseries offer it in containers planted with 3 to 5 specimens. When grouped like this, the stems tend to curve gracefully away from the center of the clump creating an especially attractive arrangement.

Immature pygmy dates hang from a female palm.

Culture
Very adaptable to most soils (use light, fast draining soils in containers). Fertilize 3 times a year.
Light: Bright sun to partial shade.
Moisture: Needs adequate moisture for best look. Has some drought tolerance when mature.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9-11 May be cold damaged at temperatures below 30ºF (-1ºC).
Propagation: By seeds (they take about 3 months to germinate)

Over the past several years Floridata has received several reports of injuries caused by the sharp leaf spines. Puncture wounds resulted in infections and nerve damage that required surgery. Exposure to the sap causes dermatitis (skin irritation) in some people.

Features
Small stature, delicate lacy appearance and easy care make this an exceptional palm that everyone can enjoy whether in the landscape or indoor containers. Pygmy date palm is inexpensive and available from mail order, nurseries and plant shops everywhere.

The pygmy date is related to the edible date (Phoenix dactylifera) which, as you might guess from its common name, it closely resembles in miniature.

WARNING
Many palms are armed with dangerous spines and other sharp edges. But we are most likely to come in painful contact with those of smaller stature like the pygmy date palm. This palm has sharp needle-like spines arranged near the base of the leaf stem. These can easily penetrate skin, tissue - sometimes even protective clothing. This often results in painful infections and possibly other, more dire complications. Keep this plant away from children's play areas and walkways. Use caution and sturdy protective clothing when gardening near this and similar palms.

Jack Scheper 05/24/98; updated js 10/19/00, 10/30/04

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