Although this extremely valuable fruit is grown in this State more as an
ornament than for its commercial value, there is nothing to prevent its
culture on a scale sufficiently large to supply the Australian
requirements. It is grown in many places along the coast, as well as in
the foothills country of the coastal range, but it does best in
situations that more nearly resemble its natural habitat--viz., in
districts having a hot dry air, a deep sandy loam or sandy soil, and a
good supply of moisture in the soil. This latter condition does not
occur naturally, but can be supplied artificially in our Western lands,
where there is a good supply of artesian water of a quality suitable to
the plants' requirements. Here the date palm thrives, and produces huge
bunches of fruit. Little, if any, cultivation is necessary when once the
palm is firmly established; provided it has an ample but not excessive
supply of moisture, it is able to take care of itself.
The date palm is a dioecious plant--that is to say, the male organs,
or stamens, are produced on one plant, and the female organs, or
pistils, on another, and this necessitates the growing of the two sexes
in proximity to each other, in order that the female flowers may be
fertilised and produce perfect fruit. This is best accomplished
artificially, the pollen from a fully developed bunch of male flowers
being shaken over the bunch of female flowers. Infertile fruit contains
no seeds, and is of small size and inferior quality, whereas the fertile
fruit is both large and good.
The date palm is a handsome ornamental plant, and in the hot and dry
Western districts, where it thrives best, it forms a splendid shelter
from the sun for both man and beast. So far, very little attention has
been given to its growth, few persons knowing how to fertilise the
flowers or even taking the trouble to see that they have plants of both
sexes. There is no reason why this should be so, as there would be a
good local demand for the properly-cured fruit, and I believe that, were
its culture carried out in a thorough business manner, it would become a
profitable industry, and one capable of supplying our Australian market.
[Illustration: Date Palms in fruit at Barcaldine.]