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The Coconut Palm (Cocos Nucifera) is generally described as a perennial tree. This monocot (monocotyledon) is not native to the U.S. (United States) and has its most active growth period in the year round . The greatest bloom is usually observed in the indeterminate, with fruit and seed production starting in the year round and continuing until year round. Leaves are retained year to year. The Coconut Palm has a moderate life span relative to most other plant species and a moderate growth rate. At maturity, the typical Coconut Palm will reach up to 60 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 60 feet.
The Coconut Palm is easily found in nurseries, garden stores and other plant dealers and distributors. It can be propagated by container, seed. Note that cold stratification is not required for seed germination and the plant cannot survive exposure to temperatures below 18°F. Coconut Palm has medium tolerance to drought and restricted water conditions.
| Category | Monocot |
|---|---|
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| General Type | Tree |
| Growth Period | Year Round |
| Growth Duration | Perennial |
| Lifespan | Moderate |
| Plant Nativity | Introduced to U.S. |
| Commercial Availability | Routinely Available |
| Bloom Period | Indeterminate |
|---|---|
| Displays Fall Colors | Yes |
| Shape/Growth Form | Single Stem |
| Drought Tolerance | Medium |
| Shade Tolerance | Intolerant |
| Height When Mature | 60 |
| Vegetative Spread | None |
| Flower Color | White |
| Flower Conspicuousness | No |
| Fruit/Seed Abundance | High |
| Fruit/Seed Seasonality | Year Round Year Round |
| Seed Spread Rate | Slow |
| Propagations (Ways to Grow) | Container, Seed |
|---|---|
| Moisture Requirements | Low |
| Cold Stratification Required | No |
| Minimum Temperature | 18 |
| Soil Depth for Roots | 60 |
| Toxic to Nearby Plants | No |
| Toxic to Livestock | No |
| After-Harvest Resprout Ability | No |
| Responds to Coppicing | No |
| pH Range | 4–8 pH |
|---|---|
| Precipitation Range | 20–20 inches/yr |
| Planting Density | 150–300 indiv./acre |
| Soil Textures | Coarse, Fine, Medium |
| Soil Depth for Roots | 60 |
| Minimum Frost-Free Days | 365 day(s) |
| Salinity Tolerance | High |
| CaCO3 Tolerance | Medium |
| Leaf Retention | Yes |
|---|---|
| Palatability | Low |
| Fire Resistant | No |
| Causes Livestock Bloating | None |
Source: USDA, NRCS, PLANTS Database, plants.usda.gov.
National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA