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Phoenix dactylifera, also known as date palm, is a flowering plant species cultivated for its edible sweet fruit. It is widely cultivated and naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Date palms can grow up to 75 feet in height, either as a single tree or forming a clump with multiple stems from a single root system. The leaves are long and pinnate, with spines on the petioles and about 150 leaflets. The crown can span from 20 to 33 feet. Dates have been a staple food in the Middle East and Indus Valley for thousands of years. They are believed to have originated from lands around Iraq and have been cultivated since ancient times. The fruits are oval-cylindrical and range from bright red to bright yellow when ripe, depending on the variety. Dates are high in sugars and potassium and are used as a fresh fruit or in prepared foods and desserts. The seeds can also be ground into flour for making bread. The date palm is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. To enhance fruit production, hand-pollination and propagation by cuttings are often practiced in commercial production. Date palms are an important crop in tropical regions, with global production reaching 8.5 million metric tons in 2009. They have cultural significance and are mentioned in religious texts such as the Bible and the Quran. In addition to their edible fruits, various parts of the date palm, including the flowers and leaves, have traditional medicinal and culinary uses.