Ernakulam: Date palms bearing fruit are no longer a sight confined to Gulf countries. In Vallam, a date palm growing in the courtyard of Niyas at Péreparambil House, Rayonpuram, has become a point of curiosity after yielding fruit.

About five years ago, Niyas had purchased six date palm saplings from Mannuthy and planted them in his yard purely for ornamental purposes. One of the trees has now begun to bear fruit.

Laden with dates, the palm is attracting many visitors eager to witness the rare sight. Niyas, who has been closely studying date palms, said that adopting artificial pollination of flower clusters, as practised in Gulf countries, along with the application of adequate manure, can increase fruit size and significantly improve overall yield.