Phoenix (plant) hybridisation and cross-pollination. Several natural hybrids were hence obtained: "P. dactylifera X. P. sylvestris "(India)," P. dactylifera × P. canariensis" (Morocco, Algeria and Israel), and " P. dactylifera × P. reclinata "(Senegal). "Phoenix" species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including "Paysandisia archon" and the "Batrachedra" species "B. amydraula" (recorded on "P. dactylifera"), "B. arenosella" and "B. isochtha" (feeds exclusively on "Phoenix" spp.). The fruit of "P. dactylifera", the date of commerce, is large with a thick layer of fruit pulp, edible, very sweet and rich in sugar; the other species have only a
Niebla dactylifera species that further differs by a more regularly branched thallus, one that is also broader at the base than above the base. Black dot-like pycnidia are infrequent and inconspicuous at tips of the ultimate branches. The key lichen substances is sekikaic acid, with accessory triterpenes. Pigmentation is weak near base of thallus, the cortex appearing brownish with blackish areas. "Niebla dactylifera" was recognized as a result of undertaking a taxonomic revision of the genus in regard towards development of a lichen flora of Baja California, beginning in 1986. A peer review of the manuscript in 1990 suggested that additional herbarium