Cocos nucifera (Coconut Palm)


Botanical Information

FamilyArecacaeae
GenusCocos
Speciesnucifera
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (evergreen)
OriginWidely distributed but thought to originate in Melanesia and the Indian Ocean region. The only plant in its genus.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone10-12
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1b-H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-1.1-15.6
Temperature (°F)30-60
Height15-30 m
Spread6-12 m
GrowthMedium

Description and Growing Information

LandscapeUsed for parks, along streets, residential yards, near commercial buildings, hotels, and on golf courses.
PropagationPropagated by seed
CultivationBest grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun.
Notable SpecimensMorikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach, Florida, United States of America
HabitatThis tropical tree is found in humid, frost free coastal lowlands and seashores.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThis tree has a single-trunk with grey, smooth bark.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionThe pinnate leaves grow 4-6 metres long and have 60-90 leaflets.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are 4-6 m long with individual pinnae reaching up to 1 m in length.
Fruit DescriptionThe coconuts are rough and brown and grow 30-35 cm around. They contain milk, oil and meat.

Photographs