Sex and the Male and Female Date Palm

[@samiwinxtitanix5707]

Do suckers get the same sex as the mother tree, or some can be male and some female? Btw date palms at the end are so beautiful looking as well, they look so naturally grown.

[@finnf.k.2906]

Yes, the sucker is basically a clone of the parent plant (be they male or female), and will most likely share the majority of characteristics with its parent palm (flowering times, fruit size, pollen production, etc. Etc.). It is important to note though that over time there does occur what is called comaclonal variation, where due to the stress of the method of reproduction, the offshoot might in a few cases mutate slightly in some aspects (this is actually one of the reasons there are multiple "medjools", with slightly differentt characters)

[@finnf.k.2906]

Its curious because here in SE Iberia (now known to be part of dax native range) seed grown female palms are very frequently massive, leaning towards the size of CIDP, the more slender ones are generally the planted varities that descend from north african varieties and are offshoots. I dont think the change in size is only linked to the sex, i think there are many other interesting fasctors at play aswell

[@ScaryHairyGary]

Interesting. That very well could be true. Just commenting on what we see out here

[@finnf.k.2906]

@@ScaryHairyGary Of course, and that experience and knowledge is very much appreciated! Love the stories you tell and the plants you show! I'm just very passionate about Date Palms haha

[@Rocketman0407]

Can trees be gay?

[@ScaryHairyGary]

I think I'm forcing those three males planted on that property to be gay. But that's a really good deep question.