Wild date-palm

The scientific name of Wild date-palm: Phoenix pusilla Roxb

Name of Wild date-palm in different languages:-

English: Ceylon Date Palm, Broom palm

Sanskrit: Parooshaka

Hindi: Palavat

Malayalam: Chittenthu, ചിറ്റീന്തൽ-Chiteental


Plant description:

  1. Appearance: It is a small palm tree, often reaching heights of around 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters). The trunk is slender, typically about 2-4 inches (5-10 centimeters) in diameter, and covered with persistent leaf bases. The leaves are pinnate, meaning they are feather-like with leaflets arranged on either side of the central stalk. Each leaf can grow up to 2-3 feet (60-90 centimeters) in length, adding a graceful, tropical look to the plant.
  2. Fruit: Phoenix pusilla produces small, round, and reddish-brown fruits that are about 0.5 inches (1.3 centimeters) in diameter. These fruits are edible, though they are not typically cultivated for food purposes.
  3. Habitat: This species is well-suited to tropical and subtropical climates. It thrives in warm, humid environments and is often found in gardens, parks, and landscapes as an ornamental plant. It can tolerate some drought once established but generally prefers moist, well-draining soil.
  4. Cultural Importance: The Pygmy Date Palm is valued for its attractive appearance, making it a popular choice for landscaping in regions with suitable climates. Its small size makes it suitable for smaller gardens or indoor cultivation in pots. It’s also used in urban landscaping due to its ability to tolerate some urban pollutants and its low maintenance requirements once established.
  5. Care and Maintenance: Phoenix pusilla requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It benefits from occasional fertilization with a balanced palm fertilizer. Pruning dead or damaged fronds helps maintain its appearance and health.
  6. Propagation: This palm species can be propagated from seeds, although it may take several years for the plants to reach a significant size. It can also be propagated by dividing offsets from mature plants, which can result in faster growth and establishment.

Useful plant parts: Root, Fruit

Medicinal uses: To treat fever, cardiac debility, peptic ulcer, Vata, Pitta, burning sensation, and general weakness.

Other uses: Bundled dried leave used as a broom in Kerala and Tamilnadu

Wild date palm is used as an ingredient to prepare Ayurvedic medicines like:

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