Phoenix reclinata

The Wild Date Palm is a characteristic tree of forests and moist savannas in the east of South Africa, where it grows from the Eastern Cape through low-lying areas of Kwazulu-Natal and into the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and is classified as a protected tree. Beyond our borders they’re found all the way to Egypt. It only grows in well-watered areas and is most common along streams or in marshy areas. It may be encountered as dense multi-stemmed clumps of 3-6m high or more typically palm-like tall long-stemmed trees of up to 12m tall.

While the fruit, which appears towards the end of summer, isn’t as large as commercial dates, it is still a favourite among fruit-eating birds and mammals, including humans. Elephants browse the leaves. Several local cultures use the fronds to weave hats, mats and baskets and make brooms and fish traps from the stems, while an alcoholic drink is made of the sap.

Wild Date Palm blowing in the wind

Kudu hiding in the shade of a small Wild Date Palm

Wild Date Palm

Wild Date Palm

Wild Date Palm

Wild Date Palms

Wild Date Palms

Wild Date Palm on the Western Shores of Lake Saint Lucia

Wild Date Palm on the Western Shores of Lake Saint Lucia

Wild Date Palms on the Western Shores of Lake Saint Lucia

Wild Date Palms on the Western Shores of Lake Saint Lucia