THE DATE 223 



ing, with the characteristic date taste in a desirable degree ; seed 

 oblong-obovate, f inch long, pointed at both ends, with the ventral 

 channel open. Ripens midseason. 



Syns. Khastawi, Kustawi, originally Khastawani (Persian). A 

 delicious dessert date from Baghdad. It has proved well adapted to 

 conditions in the date-growing regions of America. It is not a heavy 

 bearer, but the fruit possesses good keeping qualities. The name means ' 

 The Date of the Grandees. 



Majhul. Form broadly oblong to oblong-ovate, broadest at 

 center to slightly nearer base and broadly pointed at apex ; size very 

 large, length 2 inches, breadth 1^ inches; surface wrinkled, deep 

 reddish brown in color ; skin thin and tender ; flesh f inch thick, firm, 

 meaty, brownish amber in color, translucent, with no fiber around seed ; 

 flavor rich and delicious ; seed elliptic, 1| inches long, with the germ- 

 pore nearest the base and the ventral channel almost closed. Season 

 late. 



Syns. Medjool, Medjeheul. A variety of large size and good keeping 

 qualities, from the Tafilalet oases in the Moroccan Sahara, whence the 

 fruit is exported to Europe. Probably suited only to the hottest and 

 driest regions in the United States. The name means Unknown. 



Maktum. Form broadly oblong to oblong-obovate, usually broad- 

 est near center and rounded at the apex ; size medium, length 1 to 1 

 inches, breadth f to 1 inch; surface somewhat glossy, translucent 

 golden-brown in color ; skin firm, wrinkled, rather thin ; flesh f to f 

 inch thick, soft, almost melting, light golden-brown in color ; flavor 

 mild, sweet, similar to that of Deglet Nur. Season late. 



Syn. Maktoom, originally Makdum. A rare variety from Mesopo- 

 tamia which has proved admirably adapted to conditions in California, 

 although not resistant to frost. It is large and of fine quality. The 

 palm is a vigorous grower. The name means The Bitten. 



Manakhir. Form oblong, rounded at the apex ; size very large, 

 length 2 to 2 inches, breadth slightly more than 1 inch ; surface smooth, 

 brownish maroon in color, with a purplish bloom ; skin thin and tender ; 

 flesh 1 inch thick, soft and melting, with fiber around the seed ; flavor 

 delicate, resembling that of Deglet Nur ; seed oblong, 1 inch long, with 

 the germ-pore nearer the base and the ventral channel frequently 

 closed. Season late. 



Syns. Menakher, Monakhir. A rare and large-fruited variety from 

 Tunis, of which only a few palms exist in the United States. In this 

 country it is not a date of the best quality. The name means The 

 Nose Date. 



Saidi. Form oblong-ovate, broadest near the base and blunt 

 at the apex; size large, length 1| inches, breadth about 1 inch; sur- 

 face almost smooth, brownish maroon in color, overspread with a 

 bluish bloom; skin thin, tender; flesh & inch thick, red-brown in 



