Cocos nucifera

Common names

Coconut Palm.

Curiosities

The name ‘Cocos’ comes from the Portuguese and means monkey, because the seed, the popular coconut, fibrous and with three black hollows from where the first leaf and the roots will appear, looks like a monkey, hairy and with the two eyes and the mouth. One of the most commercially extended palms. Very important in the diet of many inhabitants of tropical regions. Every part of this palm can be of use: the leaves for the construction of huts; the milk is a refreshing drink; the endosperm is eaten worldwide; a substance called copra, used to make soaps, is extracted from fruit flesh; the rind is used to make tools; the fibres are used in agriculture as a substrate. The seed can be used because of its high lipid percentage.

Origin

The most accepted theory is that this palm comes from the Pacific and Indic Ocean, although it can be found in most areas of tropical coasts because the coconuts that fall in the sea float and are distributed by the currents of the oceans to other coasts.

Habitat

Generally in tropical beaches. A topic, which is almost always true.

Morphology

A characteristic single trunk, up to 30 m, often bended, slender and with annular rings. Pinnate leaves, with a regular shape and a yellowish-green colour. Fruits situated between the lowermost leaves, ovoid, big, yellow or green.

Climate

Moist tropical. This palm has tolerated temperatures down to 0.4ºC (32.7ºF, USDA Zone 10a). The variety Jamaican Tail is more tolerant, down to 1.6 ºC (29.2ºF, USDA Zone 9b).

Germination

The big seeds take several months to germinate and must be planted entire, with the rind. To accelerate the germination process, sink the seed in warm water, and, according to some people, the water should be salted (to recreate seeds distribution by sea). Highly resistant to salinity.

Growing

Can cope with sun from young. Requires regular water or subterranean water and good drainage. Highly resistant to salinity. Has a good response to nitrogen rich fertilizers.

This palm is often sold as indoor plant. These plants have been grown in a greenhouse so that they quickly get a commercial size. However it is almost impossible to maintain them inside for a long time, since they need lots of humidity and light. Once all reserves contained in the seed finish, the plant will die. The only way to keep them inside is with high pressure sodium lamps, heating, and constant humidity.