The doum palm, Hyphaene thebaica (family Arecaceae), the fruit of which has a dry, spongy texture and a flavour supposedly similar to that of gingerbread.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in John Hanning Speke (1827–1864), explorer in Africa.
Definition of gingerbread palm in US English:
gingerbread palm
noun
The doum palm, Hyphaene thebaica (family Arecaceae), the fruit of which has a dry, spongy texture and a flavour supposedly similar to that of gingerbread.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in John Hanning Speke (1827–1864), explorer in Africa.