Hyphaene dichotoma
 
Common Names Hoka Tree, Indian Doum Palm
 
Zones 9B–11
 
A rare, dichotomously branching palm native to India and Sri Lanka, Hyphaene dichotoma is one of the few palms that naturally fork above ground, forming a sculptural canopy of costapalmate leaves. Long confused with Borassus flabellifer, it is now recognized as a distinct species allied to Hyphaene thebaica and H. macrocarpa. It thrives in arid coastal zones and is culturally significant in Gujarat, where its nuts are used locally and its form dominates the landscape of Diu Island.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Dichotomously branching; solitary base
Height: 30–50 ft (9–15 m)
Trunk: Gray; rough; branches repeatedly above ground like a candelabra
Leaves: Costapalmate; stiff; blue-green; leaf bases persistent
Inflorescence: Interfoliar; male and female flowers on separate trees
Fruit: Obovate-pyriform; orange-brown when ripe; edible nut inside
Ecology: Native to coastal India and Sri Lanka; grows in dry scrub and rocky outcrops; also found in East Africa in dense populations2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Watering: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant
Soil: Sandy, rocky, or alkaline; well-drained
Temperature: Hardy to ~28°F (–2°C); tolerates heat and wind
Humidity: Low to moderate
Propagation: By seed; slow germination
Tolerance: High drought and wind tolerance; moderate salt tolerance
 
Landscape Use Ideal for xeric landscapes, botanical collections, and large-scale restoration projects. Pairs well with Borassus flabellifer, Bismarckia nobilis, and Phoenix sylvestris.