Doum Palm

Hyphaene coriacea

Native to:
Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mozambique Channel Is., Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Arecaceae
Genus:
Hyphaene
Species:
Hyphaene coriacea
USDA Symbol:
HYCO19

Growth Characteristics

Height:
1000 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Colors:
cream, yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, elephants, small mammals
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from the base after fire; common in fire-prone savanna habitats in East Africa.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Common in coastal dunes and savannas

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
30–180 days
Notes:
Seeds have a very hard coat and require scarification or soaking. Germination is slow and erratic.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI