DATE PALM
Family:
Phoenix dactylifera.
‘Nega Oil’ is an Antiguan name and is
very common north of All Saints village and may be seen
as transplanted ornamentals at hotel developments. This
palm is supposed to have been introduced into Freeman’s
Estate from Africa in colonial times of the 18th
century. Camels were introduced as beasts of burden and
these plants were to be used as fodder. The camels died
of hoof disease in the comparatively damp soil of
Antigua, but the palms lived on. The leaves are used in
handcrafts for weaving hats and brooms are made.
Children eat the black seeds, but a desert climate is
required to produce dates. |
