Phoenix reclinata

Why are the seeds of this species difficult? The seeds may have morphophysiological dormancy, which would have to be overcome before they will germinate.

Phoenix reclinata (Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

Seed Storage

This species is likely to have Orthodox seeds - dry to 15-20% eRH and store at -20ºC, or as cool as possible.

Germination Requirements

Germinate on sand at 30ºC.

The seeds of this species may be Morphophysiologically Dormant, where dormancy occurs if the embryo is retained within the seed. The seeds may need to experience several 'seasons' to allow the embryo to grow and develop, before germination will occur. Mimick the seasonal patterns of the species' native habitat to overcome physiological dormancy. Use a moist pre-chill or pre-heat treatment (depending on local climatic conditions), before germinating the seeds on sand at their optimum temperature. If this does not work, you can perform delicate surgery to enable the embryo to grow. Excise the tissue near the root tip.

Seed Morphology

Phoenix reclinata
(Image: S. Wood, RBG Kew)

See more images of this species at VIRBOGA (The Virtual Botanic Garden) and at the Digital Atlas of Economic Plants.

Taxonomy

Family: ARECACEAE

Accepted name: Phoenix reclinata Jacq.

Synonyms: Phoenix abyssinica Drude, Phoenix dybowskii A.Chev. ex A.Chev., Phoenix reclinata var. somalensis Chiov., Phoenix spinosa Schumach. & Thonn., Phoenix baoulensis A.Chev., Phoenix djalonensis A.Chev.

Common name: Senegal date palm

References and Links

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (1994). Genebank Standards. FAO/IPGRI, Rome, Italy.

AFPD (African Flowering Plants Database) - Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques de la Ville de Genève, Switzerland, and South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, RSA: Phoenix reclinata.
SID (Seed Information Database) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK: Phoenix reclinata.
Tropicos - Missouri Botanical Garden, USA: Phoenix reclinata.