In its native range, the Senegal date palm, Phoenix reclinata, is quite the useful plant, a source of food and medicine, building materials, tools, toys, clothing and other essentials. Here in South Florida, its main asset is its good looks.

It's used widely in landscaping, but perhaps it shouldn't, at least here in South Florida. As might be guessed from the name, it is not native to the Sunshine State, and the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council in 1997 deemed the Senegal date palm to be a class II invasive, meaning it is spreading in the wild, has the potential to do damage to Florida's ecology but has yet to do so. Class II status is sort of a watch list for weeds.

Senegal date palms are native to tropical and subtropical parts of Africa and Madagascar, where they grow along the banks of rivers and streams, places where they have access to constant source of moisture. It's found growing in the Arabian Peninsula, but it's uncertain whether they're native or naturalized. In parts of South Africa, it's believed Senegal date palm populations became established when English and German soldiers discard the pips, or seeds. They are protected plants in parts of Africa, reflecting their importance to people and animals.

Senegal date palms can grow quite tall, as high as 30 to 35 feet on occasion, with a a crown spread of 12 to 20 feet. The leaves are pinnate, or feather-like, and enormous, as long as 15 feet, with an arching rachis (the center rib of the leaf that extends from the trunk) and ends with a single leaflet. Close to the trunk, the leaves have long, sharp spines that are actually modified leaflets. Senegal date palms send out flower spikes called inflorescences that are as long as three feet. Flowers are cream-colored, and can bloom any time of the year; eventually they give way to clusters of inch-long, berry-like fruit that turn orange or reddish brown when ripe.