This palm produces edible fruits but it is generally called “wild date palm” to distinguish it from the closely related Phoenix dactylifera, which is known as “date palm” and is cultivated agriculturally as the commercial source of edible dates. This palm is a major source of sugar in India, and the sap is sometimes fermented into a drink called a “toddy,” which explains the names “sugar date palm” and “toddy palm.” The common name “silver date palm” probably refers to the silvery green foliage.