Doum palm

Doum palm Hyphaene thebaica

Description

A slender palm tree, Hyphaene thebaica, native to the Nile Valley of northeast Africa. Fronds from the doum palm yield a stiff fiber that has been used for basketry, mats, tent covers, scrubbing brushes, brooms, and cords. Doum palm wood is dense and strong. It has been used for boats, carpentry and veneer (Gale et al 2000).

Synonyms and Related Terms

Hyphaene thebaica; doom palm; dom palm; gingerbread palm

Additional Information

R.Gale, P.Gasson, N.Hepper, G.Killen, "Wood" in Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology, P.Nicholson, I.Shaw (eds.), Cambridge University Press, 2000, p. 334-371.

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• A.Lucas, J.R.Harris, Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries, Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd., London, 4th edition, 1962

• F. Kidd, Brushmaking Materials, Bristish Brush Manufacturers, London, 1957

• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doum_palm (Accessed Jan. 25, 2006)