Description

General aspect and origins - Phoenix roebelenii, also known as pigmy date palm, or miniature date palm, is native to Southeast Asia, especially to Laos. It is a small palm that will grow up to 10 ft (3 m) tall, and generally not more than 6 ft (2 m) tall. As a result, this palm is often met inside, in containers. However, this is also a very good palm for coastal subtropical regions.
Leaves - Leaves are pinnate, and are slightly arched, which gives this palm a graceful aspect.
Flowers - Inflorescences of the pigmy date palm are small and are yellow-cream. This palm is dioecious.
Fruits - Fruits of the pigmy date palm is supposed to be edible, but are almost never consumed. (One reason for this disaffection being that this date is not very fleshy)

Culture

This Phoenix species is not as frost hardy as its close relatives P. canariensis, P. dactylifera or P. theophrasti. However, it will survive brief negative temperatures down to 21-22°F (-6 to -6.5°C). Note that this palm has sharp leaf spines that may lead to serious punctures.
Soil - This species requires a well-drained ground.

Propagation

This palm is propagated by seeds.