Researchers from the University of Haifa, Dr. Roy Galili and Prof. Guy Bar-Oz of the School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures, have identified a previously unknown wild date palm population in the Negev Desert, an extraordinary discovery that may reshape our understanding of the origins and domestication of date palms. Through extensive genetic mapping of desert spring palm populations, the team uncovered a resilient native lineage whose genetic signature also appears in ancient archaeological remains, suggesting the Negev may have been one of the early centers of date domestication.
This breakthrough integrates archaeology, environmental research, and biodiversity conservation, while supporting ongoing efforts to restore endangered desert palm populations.
The full article is available on YNET.