Coconut Palm

( Cocos nucifera )

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Pictures - Coconut palm tree

Family - Arecaceae

Natural Habitat - Coastal strand, riverbanks, cultivated worldwide.

Planting Zones - 10b, 11

Description -  Although the Coconut palm is not a Florida native it is naturalized and widespread, both in the wild & as cultivated landscape specimens.

Height to approximately 60 feet with a 25 ft. spread. More or less upright with symmetrical crown shape, spirally arranged, pinnately compound leaves (fronds) which are 15-18 feet long, individual leaflets are linear & up to 36 inches in length with green to yellow coloration.

White flowers are produced on an inflorescence within an outer woody sheath called a Spathe, in the spring. Both male and female flowers are produced on the same plant.

There are many varieties of Coconut palm but only one specie. Throughout the tropics, Coconut palms have long been used for a wide range of products from building materials to food, drink & as a source of fiber for rope or cordage.

Landscape Use -  Fruit tree, the nuts take about 12 months to mature, specimen tree.

Culture - A variety resistant to Lethal Yellowing should be used. Full sun is needed for a strong tree and fruit production. Coconut palm tolerates alkaline soils and is both salt and wind resistant.

Coconut palm does not tolerate wet roots, or extended drought. Soil of any type must be well drained. Medium growth rate, produces fruit after 3-5 years.

Can be propagated from the whole fruit (including husk) by burying it half to two thirds of the way down as it lays on its side.

Depending on the variety seed germination usually takes from 1-2 months during which the soil should be kept slightly moist to prevent the inner nuts water from evaporating.