Overview
When you think of palm trees, you likely think of coconuts. After all, coconuts are among the most abundant popular fruits in the world, and palm trees are one of the most common source for coconuts. But, there’s more to the story than this. Not all palm trees produce coconuts, and not all coconut-bearing palm are the same; there are several species of palm tree that produce coconuts.
In general, coconuts are found in either tall (over 20 feet) or dwarf varieties. Tall coconut trees can produce up to fifty coconuts per year and are mainly found in Latin America and the Caribbean while dwarf coconut trees usually produce only ten to thirty coconuts per year and are found in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
Among the trees that bear coconuts, the common types are the Indian or Tall Coconut, the Malayan Dwarf or Newtown, and the Malaysian Tall or Filipino Coconut species.
The Indian or Tall Coconut
The Indian or Tall Coconut palm is the most common, producing most of the coconuts consumed around the world. It’s also the tallest of the three common types, ranging from sixty to one hundred feet tall, and can produce up to three hundred coconuts per year.
The Tall Coconut, as it’s casually known, is identified by the greenish-yellow hue of the tree’s leaves and trunk. It features a very thick trunk, and the coconuts this species provides are large– larger than the other two more common species.
The Tall Coconut is found in the Near East, as well as parts of Europe, South America and India, with full range of over ten thousand square miles. Additionally, they are relatively fast-growing trees, with fruit production beginning as early as three to four years after planting.
The Malayan Dwarf or Newtown
The Malayan Dwarf is a smaller species, measuring about thirty feet in height with one- to two-foot trunks. It is known for its yellow-green leaves, very large coconut size (up to nearly six inches in width) and fast-growing nature– fruit production starts as early as just one year after planting!
This species is found throughout Central and South America, Asia, the Indian Ocean Islands, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Additionally, it’s the hardiest of the three species, able to survive occasional droughts and sea salt spray.
The Malayan Dwarf is known for having a wide range of flavors, making it a popular choice amongst savvy coconuts lovers. Its high-quality and sweet taste makes it an easy-to-find favorite in local markets.
The Malaysian Tall or Filipino Coconut
The Malaysian Tall Coconut, sometimes referred to as the Filipino Coconut, is another prevalent variety. It is identified by its yellow-green to greenish-yellow foliage, short trunk (at about twelve feet in height) and wide-spreading crown.
The Malaysian Tall Coconut is commonly found in countries like Thailand and the Philippines. While its is similar to the Tall Coconut by name, the Malaysian Tall Coconut is generally smaller than the true Tall Coconut, yielding fruit that measures in at around four inches wide or less.
However, the Malaysian Tall Coconut is generally worse-tasting than the other two species. This might be why it’s not as common or sought-after as the Malayan Dwarf.
Care and Maintenance
When it comes to caring for palm trees that bear coconuts, the process is relatively the same across all three species. Coconut palms require a nutrient-rich soil and full sunlight in order to thrive. It’s also important to keep an eye out for diseases and pests, such as mites, thrips and scale.
They are generally quite resilient, but it’s still wise to fertilize your palm trees. Coconut palms crave fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen and should be used during the springtime. An additional application during the fall should help to maintain its health.
Like most palm trees, coconuts also need to be watered regularly. Regular deep waterings are necessary to provide the tree with the proper hydration it needs. In addition, a layer of mulch can help to conserve water while also benefiting the soil.
Harvesting Coconuts
It’s important to understand that all three of the most common species of coconut-bearing palms reach maturity at different times. The Tall Coconut typically takes seven years to reach its peak maturity, the Malayan Dwarf can take four to five years, and the Malaysian Tall Coconut can take as few as three.
When it comes to harvesting, you should make sure that your palms are healthy and have produced numerous fruiting shoots. Healthy palms are short with dark green, full leaves and a single coconut spike at the center. You can then go about the process of harvesting your coconuts.
Coconuts should be harvested when their color has changed from green to brown. Depending on the size of the tree, two to three coconut bearing trees can be harvested at once. It’s important to also note that coconuts left on the tree tend to get heavier, making them more difficult to remove.
Misconceptions
Often times people think that coconut palms can be propagated by the planting of their fruit. However, this isn’t true. All three of the common palm species need to be propagated via seed.
It’s also a misconception that coconuts planted in higher elevations or warmer climates will produce coconuts faster than those planted in cooler climates or at lower elevations. All coconut palms will grow at a relatively similar pace, regardless of location.
Finally, it’s common for people to think that all coconut palms produce coconuts in five years or less. In actuality, it’s common for a coconut palm to take up to seven years to mature and begin producing coconuts.
Uses
Coconuts are used for various things– from food to medicine to animal feed. Its consumption can be enjoyed in all sorts of ways—from fresh out of the shell, eaten dry or grilled, grated and dried, or even as health drinks.
Medicinally, coconut has been used to treat digestive and skin ailments, as well as parasitic infections. It’s also been studied for its antibacterial properties, which have been shown to help treat oral health problems as well.
Furthermore, coconuts are used as animal feed, specifically for cattle. The coconut’s oil and fiber can help to significantly improve an animal’s diet, as well as provide much-needed energy and nutrients.
Finally, coconuts are often used as a natural fertilizer, capable of significantly enriching both soil and plants.
