Native to southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, ....), where it thrives in Mediterranean coastal areas.

It can reach up to 4m in height, is highly branched from the base, and has palmate (fan-shaped) green leaves.

Its temperature range is from -10ºC to 38ºC.

In terms of watering, it is not very demanding, as it usually lives in areas with long periods of drought.

It blooms from March to April in branched inflorescences, and being dioecious, there are distinct male and female specimens.

It bears fruit in autumn, and the dates are edible, although they have an astringent taste.