Phoenix pusilla

Ceylon Date Palm
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Phoenix
Species: P. pusilla
Binomial name
Phoenix pusilla
Roxb.

Phoenix pusilla (pusilla, Latin, tiny or weak) or Ceylon Date Palm is a species of flowering plant in the palm family, endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), they are found in lowlands, ridges and hills. No taller than 5 m, this species is usually solitary stemmed but clumps do occur naturally. At 25 cm in diameter, the trunks are covered with distinct leaf-base scars, forming a 'wicker' pattern. Their distinguishable trunks have made them popular in cultivation. They are drought tolerant and slow-growing.

In Sri Lanka, the plant is known as "Indi-gaha",( ඉංදි ගහ ). The name has most likely come from "indo", meaning coming from India. However, the Malayalm, Telegu and Tamil names also contain the intu, ita ending in the names. In Hindi it is knowan as "Palavat" and "Chiteental" in Malayalam.

Medicinal properties

Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, burning sensation, fever, cardiac debility, peptic ulcer and general weakness.

References