Cliff Date Seedling (Phoenix reclinata)

3.0
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars
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Sale price $22.95
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40 in stock

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Tropical Clumping Palm with Edible Fruit and Landscape Presence

The Cliff Date Palm is a stunning clumping palm native to tropical Africa, known for its graceful, arching fronds and edible orange fruits. The small, sweet dates are traditionally gathered in Africa for fresh eating and fermenting, making this palm both edible and ornamental. Its dense, suckering habit creates a lush, natural screen or focal point in food forests, tropical gardens, and permaculture plantings.

Fast-growing and adaptable, Cliff Date thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and is surprisingly tolerant of a range of soils, humidity levels, and even some salt exposure. It forms clumps of slender, trunked palms that create an instant tropical look—perfect for borders, buffers, or creating shade layers in multi-story plantings.

The fruits are small but sweet and enjoyed by both people and wildlife. While it can grow into a large specimen over time, Cliff Date can also be maintained at a manageable size with selective pruning, making it a functional edible landscaping plant for both container and in-ground growers.

Why You'll Love It:

  • Produces edible orange fruits
  • Forms lush clumps of graceful, arching palms
  • Provides tropical landscape beauty and screening
  • Attracts birds and wildlife
  • Fast-growing and surprisingly hardy
  • Grows well in containers or in-ground
Scientific Name Phoenix reclinata
Common Names Cliff Date, Senegal Date Palm, Wild Date Palm
Family Arecaceae (Palm Family)
Origin Tropical Africa
Plant Type Clumping Palm / Fruiting Tree
Life Cycle Perennial
Food Forest Layer Mid-Story / Canopy Layer
Mature Size 10–30 ft tall and spreading
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Needs Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Harvest Season Late Summer to Fall
Time to Fruit 3–5 years from planting
Self-Fertile No (dioecious; male + female needed for fruit)
Growth Rate Fast
Zones USDA Zones 9–11
Florida Native No
Propagation Seeds, Division of Offshoots
Seasonal Characteristics Evergreen; clumping growth, ornamental year-round
All of our plants ship in plantable coconut coir pots or recyclable nursery pots! Just pop them in the ground or reuse and recycle. Want to learn more about our plant sizes and how to grow them? 👉 Checkout the Full Guide Here

Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!

We ship every plant plastic-free and planet-friendly—using compostable packaging, recyclable pots, and carbon-conscious shipping from start to finish. 🌎🌱👉 Our Commitment to Packaging & Shipping Sustainability

3.0
Rated 3.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 1 review
Total 5 star reviews: 0 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
0%would recommend this product
1 review
  • JD Profile picture for Jerry D.facebook logo
    Jerry D.
    Verified Reviewer
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 3 out of 5 stars
    2 weeks ago
    Myrtle?

    I'm confused. That's not a myrtle; it's a palm.

    SE Profile picture for Sow Exotic Nursery
    Sow Exotic Nursery
    1 week ago

    Hi Jerry, thanks for your feedback! It sounds like there might’ve been a mix-up with your order. Could you please email us at care@sowexotic.com so we can take a closer look and make it right? We’re happy to help!

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