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Other Names: Copra (meat)
Related To:
Main Uses:
Coconut, Ornamental, Coir (Husk)
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Mature Height/Spread:
Depends on the variety.
Flowering/Pollination:
Self fertile, borne on large panicles, usually in clusters. Fruits form in 9-10 months.
Tolerance:
High tolerance for drought, but for good healthy growth, requires consistent irrigation. Highly tolerant of salt & salt spray, often growing along seashores, where the coconuts are dispersed by floating.
Soil/Nutrition:
Does well on a variety of soils, from acidic to alkaline. Grows alongside both fresh and salt water, but requires good drainage near the feeder roots.
Light:
Part shade to full sun
Wind:
Highly wind tolerant.
Temperature:
Coconuts will survive occasional brief frosts. Younger trees (under 5') will need protection from frost/cold until older.
Dangers:
None.
Diseases Prone:
Lethal yellowing. Some types are hardier to this disease than others.
Bearing Age:
5-7 years from germination.
Fruit:
Fruit production begins 6-10 years from germination.
History/Origin:
The coconut palm is so widespread and ubiquitous throughout the tropics and warm subtropics that it's origins are unclear Based on distribution and species patterns, it is believed o be native to the Malay Archipelago, or South Pacific.
The coconut has been a species of human interest and subjected to selection and cultivation for ages. Early Polynesian settlers of the Pacific Islands brought with them several fast-growing food species: Malay Apple, Coconut, Breadfruit, Taro and Bananas. Coconuts, naturally being quite buoyant, were probably tied to, and floated next to the boats. Coconuts are one of these many key food species which can be used as an indicator of past human habitation throughout the Pacific Islands.
Species Observations:
Propogation:
By seed. Seeds are covered 3/4" in soil and left to germinate, which usually takes 8 months.
"Malayan Dwarf" is very a common specimen seen in the US tropics. It has a fatter trunk and moderate growth habit. It has been planted almost exclusively in Florida, as it was thought to be more resistant to lethal yellowing disease than the formerly grown "Jamaican Tall," most of which have been depopulated by the disease. Malayan dwarf is in fact only slightly more resistant to this disease.
"Jamaican Tall" is a fast growing coconut, the type often depicted on seaside postcards, with a long curved or crooked trunk. It is planted throughout the Caribbean, but is uncommon in Florida and areas where lethal yellowing is problematic.
Panama Tall" is another tall coconut type.
"Maypan" is a hybrid of Panama Tall and Malayan Dwarf.
"Macapuno" dwarf coconuts, from Thailand, have a unique coconut meat that fills the entire inside of the coconut with jelly. These are a delectable treat often used in frozen foods.
"Nina" Coconut palms are an interesting dwarf form. The coconuts are generally rather small and uniform in size and organization.
Container Culture:
Not suitable for containers.
Medicinal Uses:
Nutritional Information:
Preparation / Food:
There are several products made from the coconut itself.
Coconut Water. Young, green coconuts are harvested for their water. Coconut water is naturally sterile, and contains many electrolytes, being particularly rich in potassium. It is an excellent refreshment for hot days, and makes a superlative sports drink.
Coconut Milk. Coconut milk is a processed product made from shredded coconut meat mixed with warm water, which is then pressed. The result is a richly coconut flavored "milk" that is used for cooking in tropical regions. Coconut milk is often confused with coconut water, despite being distinctly different products.
Coconut Meat. Mature coconuts are harvested for their firm meat, usually shredded, or chipped and dried. It is used in all sorts of foods and confections worldwide.
Coconut Bread. The "bread forms only once the coconut has germinated and a shoot is emerging. Germinated coconuts are split open to reveal coconut a shell full of "bread" which is a delicious way to eat fresh coconuts, if one has the opportunity. The bread is exclusively a fresh food.
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"Tree is in fine shape and budding! Packing was exceptional. Thank you so much!"
- Satisfied Customer 1
"WOW, Plant is 10X better than expected. Great condition. Thank you very much."
- Satisfied Customer 2
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