Synonyms: Hellali
Origin: Oman (Musqat)
Meaning:  “Of the New Moon”  (Dowson 1939) – “Moonbeams”  (Popenoe 1913)
History:  A variety obtained in 1902 from Musqat by Fairchild.  From one original palm, several specimens have been propagated at Indio and in a few privately owned variety collections. Hilali is a rare variety,  reputed to be highly esteemed in Oman. Dowson listed the variety as rare in southern Iraq. It produces soft dates of good quality, outstanding because of the very late ripening. At Indio, it begins ripening about the time the harvesting of late varieties like Barhi and Maktoom is being completed and frequently carries its fruit into January and February.