Uses of Date Palm Trees

The date palm is a widely cultivated palm tree, both for its ornamental value and for the tasty fruit it yields. Not only are the fruit used for a variety of culinary purposes, but the leaves have also been used to weave baskets. Various parts of this plant have been used medicinally to treat a variety of ailments.

Weaving Baskets

Pakistani women use the leaves produced by the date palm tree to create hand-woven baskets. First, the leaves from the date palm are dyed to the desired color. The women then wrap the leaves around tight bundles or coils of reed fibers until the desired pattern and shape has been achieved.

Food

Every date tree can produce 50 to 300 lbs. of dates annually. From September through December the fruits are harvested. Depending upon the cultivar of palm being grown, the dates will either be soft, semisoft or dry. The dry dates are the chewiest variety and store well, making them ideal for long trips or for use as a "survival food." Regardless of variety, dates are sweet, pungent fruits that are enjoyed by animals and humans alike. These fruits are eaten by themselves or used in cereals, candy and other culinary creations.

Landscaping

The date palm is used as an ornamental specimen plant in subtropical and tropical climates, such as those in southern California and Florida. These trees can commonly be seen along roadsides, parking lots and shopping centers because of their ease of care and noninvasive nature.

Medicinal Uses

The fruit of the date palm contains tannin, which makes it an effective astringent. The fruit from this tree has been used to treat sore throats, colds, bronchial catarrh, fevers, gonorrhea, edema and abdominal problems. The seeds from the tree have been ground into a paste that is effective in treating ague. Toothaches have been relieved by date palm roots. Finally, gum extracted from the trunk of this tree has effectively been used to treat diarrhea and urinary ailments.

Seed Uses

The seeds produced by the date palm have been used as food for horses, cattle, camels, sheep and goats. Once ground, they can be used to feed chickens as well. The oils contained within the seeds make them a useful ingredient in cosmetics and soaps. The seeds can also be burned to make charcoal. The chemical composition of the seeds allows them to be used to create oxalic acid.