Cliff Date Palm

Phoenix rupicola, the cliff date palm, is a medium-sized feather-leaved palm with dark green, gracefully arching fronds. The University of Florida’s South Florida landscape guide gives a cultivated height range of 10–25 feet and recommends full sun to part shade, low irrigation and well-drained soil. It also notes spines at the leaf bases and purple-red fruit, useful details when choosing a planting location. ## Landscape Use Use this palm as a specimen where its arching crown can be seen and the leaf bases will not brush a busy path. Its finely divided, dark green foliage adds texture to subtropical gardens and larger courtyard plantings. The RHS profile records common names including cliff date, East Indian wine palm and India date palm; Kew lists the botanical taxon as Phoenix rupicola. ## Maintenance Provide full sun or light shade and a well-drained root zone. The Florida recommendations describe modest irrigation for South Florida conditions; adjust watering to local soil, rainfall and establishment rather than applying a fixed schedule. Wear gloves and keep distance from the spiny leaf bases when removing old foliage. [RHS’ species profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/72348/phoenix-rupicola/details), the [UF/IFAS landscape guide](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP107) and [Kew’s taxon record](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:668946-1) provide further reference.