海棗<br><i>鳳凰海棗'德萊努爾'</i>

Phoenix dactylifera or the edible Date Palm is an impressive looking palm which forms a dense crown of around 25 greenish to silvery-green long stiff pinnate leaves when mature. Can have a solitary trunk or be sparsley clustering. It is easy to grow although be mindful of the small stunted leaflets near the base of the leaves as with most Phoenix palms, they are quite sharp.

Commonly known as the Date Palm or True Date Palm it is widely cultivated for its fabulously sweet edible fruit. "Deglet Nour' refers to this specific variety, considered the 'Queen of dates'. 'Medjool' tends to be the other variety you commonly come across. Relatively fast growing and frost hardy, there are quite a few older date palms scattered around NZ, though they may want some protection through the winter months especially when young, as it does not enjoy wet, soggy ground. As ever, good drainage is essential. A great option for palm enthusiasts.