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PalmsTreesFruit Edible

Cocos nucifera (F)

coconut

A single-stemmed palm, forming a tree to 25m in the tropics, prized for its elegant form and edible seeds (coconuts). In frost-prone areas, young specimens can be grown as short-lived foliage plants in a warm conservatory, or as houseplants

Other common names
cocoanut
coconut oil plant
see morecoconut palm
porcupine wood
sugar palm
wine palm
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Arecaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

A genus of one species of palm known as Cocos nucifera or the coconut tree as we know it by best. This palm has a wide range of uses - food and drink, medicine, beauty products, coir, furnishing and decoration

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Coastal tropical regions

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free. loam-based potting compost with additional sharp sand and fibrous organic matter, in full or bright filtered light with moderate humidity. In the growing season water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See palm cultivation indoors

Propagation

Propagate by soaking a fresh coconut (with husk still on) in warm water for 3 days. Then half bury the coconut, pointed end down, in a pot of loam-based compost with additional sharp sand and fibrous organic matter. Water well and seal the whole lot up in a large plastic bag, putting it in a warm place and checking frequently for signs of germination; this may take 3-6 months

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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