The story of a Phoenix hybrid and hybrid polymorphism

[Phoenikakias]

More than 10 years ago I had crossed my female P reclinata with a male hybrid Phoenix probably also partly of reclinata origin. 

Here is an old picture of mother reclinata

And here is an old picture of hybrid father

Both plants are now way bigger.

[Phoenikakias]

Resulted offspring from that cross could be divided in to two distinct groups, one slow growing and another fast grower with extremely vigorous root system. Plants of second group could not be held in same pot for a whole year, since roots were pushing high above soil level rapidly. First group seemed that it could remain in same pot for an indefinite time.

First group:

Second group:

All specimens in above pictures are of identical age

[Phoenikakias]

Even after ground planted, the two groups preserved the described differences 

One year after ground planting L first group and R second group:

Same plants this past autumn.

Edited December 17, 2020 by Phoenikakias

[Phoenikakias]

This year two plants of the second group bloomed simultaneously and turned out of opposite genders.  As a result the female plant set fruits, which resembled a lot genuine dates regarding both taste and shape albeit smaller in size.

[Phoenikakias]

A seedling from those f2 hybrid seeds sprouted among dactylifera x theophrasti and genuine theophrasti seedlings in same community pot. It has obviously a lighter green color than the rest seedlings. :

It is so exciting, when one can watch the whole cycle of life of a Phoenix within 13 years.