A subtropical dioecious palm of great antiquate. Often confused with phoenix canariensis which is shorter and more ornamental. Very tall with slender trunk marked with bases of old leaf stalks. Leaves are long, grey-green, waxy and pinnate. The leaflets are stiff and sharp-pointed. Flowers are small and yellowish and in spikes.
Extensively cultivated for its fruits, the familiar dates, and oblong fleshy berry, brown when ripe. The size is about 18-25m high and spreads around 12m. Its landscape uses as suitable for the avenue, background planting in depth. Slow growing at a rate of 20-30cm p/a.
