Elucidating the origin of the Cape Verde date palm (Phoenix atlantica)

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), a crucial 18 billion USD fruit crop, underpins North African and West Asian oasis agroecosystems. This study investigates the genetics and morphology of its closest wild relative, the endemic and endangered Cape Verde date palm (Phoenix atlantica A.Chev.). We reveal that the latter originated through a feralization process from domesticated date palms, evolving back into a wild state with unique genetic diversity. This highlights the need to protect its distinctiveness and opens the possibility of enhancing date palm resilience through its inclusion in breeding programs