Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm)

Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) with round dark purple fruit hanging in heavy clusters close up
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) with thick clusters of round dark purple fruit on the trunk

Botanical name: Hyphaene thebaica

Common names: Gingerbread Palm, African Doum Palm

Family: Arecaceae / Palmae

Origin: Coastal North-Eastern Africa, Madagascar

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 10-11

Cold tolerance: 30°F

Plant type: Fruit or edible
Fruit type: Fruit or edible
Large tree taller than 20 ftPlant form: Large tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWater Requirement: Low. Allow soil to dry out between wateringsWatering: Moderate; tolerates dry conditions
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens

The legendary Doum palm; was well known to the ancient Egyptians who buried large numbers of the fruits in the tombs of their pharaos. It is perhaps the most easily recognized of all palms as it is one of the few that fork or branch. A large tree is a stunning sight, suitable for warm temperate to tropical climates and extremely drought tolerant. Sunny, very well drained position. Can tolerate temperate clmates, but prefers it hot. It can tolerate lots of water as well, as long as the drainage is good . Very drought tolerant. When planting the seed, make sure to use a very deep pot, since the seed sends down a very long trap root, or "sinker".

Similar plants: Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm)


Image gallery: 7 images
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) with brown and green leaves on a tall fan plant
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) trees stand with brown and green fan leaves in a group.
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) with green leaves and tall brown trunks in landscape plant photo
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) with multiple tall trunks and fan shaped green palm leaves
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) with tall trunks and green fan shaped leaves against cloudy sky
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) with multiple branched trunks supporting clusters of rigid fan shaped green leaves
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) with dark purple fruit clusters hanging from rough textured bark tree
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) trunk with round dark purple fruit hanging near green fan leaves
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) with tall trunks and green fan leaves under cloudy blue sky
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) with multiple stems and fan leaves against a mountain landscape background.
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) brown fruit clusters hanging among large green fan palm leaves.
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) clusters of dark brown round fruit nestled within sturdy palm foliage.
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) brown fruit clusters hanging among stiff tan dried palm leaves close up.
Hyphaene thebaica (Gingerbread Palm) clusters of round brown fruit nestled among long stiff tan palm leaves.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/hyphaene_thebaica.htm
About Tropical Plant Encyclopedia · Pictogram Guide·