Hawaiian gardens are famous for the hundreds of species of palms from all around the world.
Hawaiian gardens are famous for the hundreds of species of palms from all around the world.
Coconut palms are a favorite, but another genus is equally important in many tropical and subtropical regions. It is the Phoenix group.
We often see pygmy date palms in home landscapes, but we seldom see the tree that produces the edible date. This is the palm referred to in the Bible and Quran and has been in cultivation for thousands of years. It is the palm that played the role of commemorating the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem at the beginning of Holy Week.
Date palms, or Phoenix dactylifera, have been important throughout the Mediterranean region in the hot dry climates of North Africa and the Near East since prehistoric times. They are famous for their succulent edible fruit, with more than 1000 varieties, and are hardy palms that can be grown in warm, temperate to tropical regions.
All parts of the tree are used. Wine and sugar are made from the sap. Hats, mats and thatch are made from the leaves. In fact, more than 800 uses have been counted.
Date palms can live 200 years or more and reach 100 feet in height.
Close relatives such as the Canary Island date palm can even be grown as far north as coastal Oregon and southern England. The edible date palm is extremely salt tolerant and will do well in Hawaii along windy beaches, where coconut palms have trouble surviving. It is highly ornamental for locations where most palms would not survive.
Christians around the world celebrate Palm Sunday, for it is said that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds spread their clothing and palm branches on the road before him. They shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David” and “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” to honor him as the long awaited Messiah and King.
Many thought he came to free them from the Romans and some believed he came to set them free of their sins.
He came to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah.
The donkey was the symbol of peace and laying of palm leaves indicated the King was arriving in victory.
Today, Catholic countries around the world celebrate the blessing of palms followed by a big procession to church and Mass. Of course, the rest of Holy Week is based on serious drama that recognizes the crucifying and the resurrection of Jesus. The palm leaves are sometimes burned and the ash used on Ash Wednesday.
The prophet Mahomet (Muhammad) said to the Arabs, “Honor the date palm, for it is your Mother.”
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There are more than seventeen species of date palms. The most common in Hawaii are the pygmy date palms, or Phoenix roebellini, which are originally from Laos. Another species, Phoenix sylvestris, is common growing wild along the north shore of Oahu. In its home of India, the fruit is not used but the sap is valuable for palm sugar, toddy and wine.
Other species used in the landscape are Phoenix reclinata, a clumping form from East Africa, and Phoenix rupicola, with a single trunk and soft, arching leaves that can be found from India to Siam.
Most species are easily grown from seed, including the edible date.
Next time you buy a container of dates, you can save the seed to grow your own trees. Simply soak the seeds in water for a few days. Place them in a community pot, slightly covering them with potting soil. Keep the soil moist and warm.
Within a few months, you will have the first seed leaves emerge and you then can place each seedling in individual pots.
Fertilize with a balanced liquid formula once a month.
Since date palms are initially slow growing, it might be a year or more before they are ready to plant in the garden. Be sure to give them plenty of room and remember the leaves of most species are armed with thorns.
The pygmy date palm is best for small gardens, but if you have room many other species are hardy and tolerant of harsh conditions.
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Since Easter is next Sunday, be sure to buy some Easter lilies to dress your home for the holidays.
Next week’s garden column will give you tips on how to plant them in your garden and store the bulbs for future Easters.