Hyphaene thebaica is indigenous to northern and northeastern Africa where it grows near the coasts in open savannas and along streams and rivers inland. A common name is Gingerbread Palm. Refers to the taste of the fruits.

The Gingerbread Palm is sparsely clustering and freely branching even at a relatively young age. Individual trunks never attain more than 50 feet of height and are usually 30 feet or less. The leaves and leaf crown are smaller than H.compressa and H.dichotoma and are a deep green to grayish or silvery green. The fruits are 3 inches long, pear shaped and light brown.

Hyphaene thebaica is exceptionally picturesque and appealing at all ages. It is a fabled species with a long record of cultivation.

• Common name: Gingerbread Palm
• Origin: northeastern Africa
• Spaced required: big palm, maximum height = 50 feet
• Prefered conditions: Very drought tolerant. Full sun, tolerate temperate clmates but prefers it hot, well-drained soils
• Seed germination: normal
• Distinguishing features: Fan leaves, deep green to grayish or silvery green.
• Status: common