Stems multiple, usually ascending, to 8 m, diam. 10--15 cm. Fruits ripening from green through orange to reddish brown, ellipsoid, length 12--18 mm, diam. 7--8 mm. 2n = 36.

Flowering throughout year. Volunteer in waste places and disturbed areas; 0--10 m; introduced; Fla.; native, to Africa (including Madagascar).

Phoenix reclinata is commonly cultivated in central and southern Florida. Its seeds are dispersed by birds and raccoons.