Cocos - Coconut Palm

(Co'cos)

DESCRIPTION: This Palm is commonly known as the Coconut Palm. It is a widely cultivated, important crop in sub-tropical and tropical countries and is commonly grown in Florida. It can grow up to 100 feet in height and it thrives near the sea. It produces a long, slender trunk topped with a crown of long, feathery leaves. After about six years, Coconut Palms produce branched inflorescencees of male and female flowers. The male flowers perish before the female flowers mature, thus assuring cross-pollination. The edible fruits that follow the flowers are popularly called Coconuts; they also provide Coconut oil, which is used to make margarine, cooking oils, soap, shampoo, suntan lotions and other things. These Palms have many values in other countries besides just the fruit; other parts of the Palms are used for making utensils, mats and other various goods.

POTTING: This Palm can be grown outdoors in mild climates. They should be grown in full sun, in a variety of soil types with a pH from 5.0 to 8.0. It is best to plant them in the warm, rainy months of the year.

PROPAGATION: Fresh, mature seeds should be buried to a depth of half their thickness in pots or in rows in well-drained seedbeds. When they sprout, it will be through one of the "eyes". After about 6 months, they may be planted in their permanent position or left in containers for a while.

VARIETIES: C. nucifera.

C. nucifera

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