Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

Arecaceae / Palmae
Phoenix sylvestris L.
(Syn: Elate sylvestris L.)
English name: Wild date palm.
Local name: Khajji, Kathal.
Description:
The tree with moderate growth rate without root suckers, having long green or blue
green leaves reached 8 to 12 meter in height. Leaves smaller than Phoenix
dactylifera grayish green, quite glabrous, pinnately divided into numerous leaflets.
The plant is found in the warmer region of the province.
Flowering Period:
March-April andAugust- October.
Habitat:
The tree occurs in wild as well as cultivated throughout
Sindh.
Uses:
It is a good source of sugar that is obtained by refining the
“gur” or treacle an toddy or “tari”. This raw fluid is
extracted from the cuts made in the trunk from which
the juice exudes. The leaves are used for making bags,
brooms and mats. The fruit is eaten as a food and also
having medicinal values.
Distribution:
According toAitchison this wild date palm is indigenous in
the Indus basin. It is also cultivated in Sindh and Punjab.
274