Phoenix roebelenii occurs naturally in northern Laos, Vietnam and southern China, where it grows along rivers in areas that are periodically flooded. Phoenix roebelenii is commonly known as the Pygmy Date Palm, miniature date palm and Dwarf date palm.

In cultivation mature trunks usually grow 6 to 8 feet tall. The stem is 3 inches in diameter near the base to 6 or 8 inches near the leaf crown. The gracefully arching leaves are 3 to 5 feet long and the 10 or 12 inch long leaflets. Leaf color is glossy deep green in mature leaves. The inflorescences are never more than 2 feet long. It produce fruit that is 0.5 inch long, oblong and black.

Phoenix roebelenii is hardy to cold for a tropical species. It makes a good candidate in zones 10 and 11. It needs constant and adequate water, even withstanding occasional flooding. It grows significantly slower in partial shade than it does in full sun.

• Common name: Pygmy Date Palm, Miniature Date palm and Dwarf Date palm
• Origin: Laos, Vietnam and southern China
• Spaced required: small palm, maximum height = two meters
• Prefered conditions: hardy cold, plenty of water, well-drained soils
• Seed germination: easy
• Distinguishing features: Cultivated specimens have solitary, erect stems, with large, fully rounded crowns of leaves. It does look good in groups of three or four
• Status: commonly cultivated