Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Arecaceae
Botanical Name
COCOS nucifera 'Golden Malay'
Plant Common Name
Coconut Palm
General Description
Coconut is perhaps the most visually recognizable, romantic palm in the world. The cultivar 'Golden Malay' produces fruits with yellow husks, and is reputed to be resistant to lethal yellowing disease. Coconut palm is commonly associated with the beaches of the South Pacific but is found in coastal tropical areas worldwide. It is a true palm that produces a crown of large, feathery palm leaves at the top of its long, bare trunk.
The large, pinnate leaves of coconut palm are deep green, sometimes with yellow petioles. Mature specimens produce branching inflorescences with numerous tassels of fragrant yellow male and female flowers. The bulbous female blooms, at the base of the tassels, produce coconuts after pollination by bees. Coconut husks can be green, yellow, orange, or red. The enormous seeds inside are what most typically refer to as coconuts. The woody seeds are filled with flavorful coconut milk and lined with tasty white meat.
The sun loving coconut palm is a coastal species that thrives in a variety of well-drained soils, even brackish ponds. Well established trees can tolerate substantial drought. Where hardy, it is often used as a street tree, but this has its caveats. The falling coconut fruits can easily harm people and damage property. Clusters of coconut palms will create an oasis of shade in the tropical heat. Coconut palm is highly susceptible to a systemic disease called "lethal yellowing." This cultivar is relatively resistant but eventually succumbs to this debilitating pathogen.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
