Cocos nucifera
"Coconut Palm"

A native of Western Pacific but widely grown throughout the tropic both coastally and inland. There are numerous varieties, but all are tropical in nature and will not fare well in colder environment. Coconuts germinate readily in warm temperatures and subsequent growth can be rapid. Susceptible to lethal yellowing disease, a large number of coconut trees have been wiped out by this disease.

Ironically I see these sold cheaply in Central and North Florida where people readily put them in the landscape, thinkning since the store sells it it must grow here. Then when Spring arrives and the tree does not rebound they stare and wonder why. I do have one growing in a 20 gal tub and bring it in every winter, placing it in front of a nice, sunny window. Last

We do not have any of these growing in our inventory, but here are some pics of mine for your viewing pleasure.

To the left is the palm in 2003. When winter set in I dug it up and put it in the pot it is in currently and moved it to the greenhouse. Spring 2004 I put it outside the greenhouse and it was accidently massacred by a wayward cow. It has since recoverd and is doing great once again, as noted in the recent 2006 picture on the right.