• 21 Jun, 2026
• Date Palm Varieties
• dapava

Date Palm Varieties

1. Abdul Hadi – Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Abdul Hadi

A premium cultivar found mainly in the Al-Amarah region of Maysan Governorate. It is distinguished by its large fruit size and delicious flavor, making it highly desirable for consumption at the Rutab (fresh-ripe) stage, where it is considered of excellent quality, as well as at the Tamr (fully ripe date) stage. The trunk is relatively rough in texture. This cultivar is known for its late ripening habit, with fruits remaining on the bunch (spadix) until late in the season .

Number of palms: 10

2. Sorat Al-Khatoun – Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Sorat Al-Khatoun

An old local cultivar from Diyala Governorate, characterized by medium to large, nearly spherical fruits with a dark brown color at maturity. This cultivar is considered one of the traditional, non-commercially widespread varieties that represents an important component of local genetic diversity that should be preserved.

Number of palms: 14

3. Umm Al-Fislan – Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Umm Al-Fislan

An old local cultivar with limited distribution, producing small to medium-sized oval fruits with a moderately sweet taste. Studies indicate that less common local cultivars constitute an important genetic reservoir that can be utilized in date palm improvement programs .

Number of palms: 10

4. Maktoom Ahmar – Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Maktoom Ahmar

A rare and premium cultivar concentrated in Diyala Governorate, notable for its distinct red color at the Khalal stage, which turns reddish-brown upon full maturity. The fruit has a soft texture and low fiber content. Late-ripening cultivars are generally associated with high sensory and market quality.

Number of palms: 10

5. Ashrasi – Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Ashrasi

An excellent cultivar distinguished by a unique almond-like flavor, in addition to its tolerance to harsh environmental conditions such as drought and salinity. Research highlights that resistance to environmental stresses is an important genetic trait in local date palm cultivars .

Number of palms: 10

6. Jamal Al-Din – Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Jamal Al-Din

Produces medium to large fruits with a light brown color at maturity, a soft texture, and a balanced moderate sweetness. Studies confirm that productive traits, such as the balance between fruit size and taste, are strongly influenced by environmental conditions and agricultural management .

Number of palms: 15

7. Gharan Al-Ghazal – Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Gharan Al-Ghazal

This cultivar is characterized by long, slender fruits resembling a gazelle's horn, with a semi-dry texture and concentrated flavor. Scientific literature indicates that morphological variation in date palm fruits is the result of local selection and genetic diversity among cultivars .

Number of palms: 10

8. Qarnafili – Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Qarnafili

A distinctive cultivar with a carnation-pink color during the early ripening stage, later turning light brown upon full maturity. The fruit has a soft texture and mild flavor. Color changes during fruit ripening are important varietal characteristics used in the botanical characterization of local date palm cultivars .

Number of palms: 10

Total number of rare palm trees: 89 palms

These cultivars are cultivated as part of the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa's commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the preservation of Iraq's rich date palm heritage.