Cocos nucifera Samoan Dwarf
Description
Cocos nucifera 'Samoan Dwarf', commonly known as the Samoan Dwarf Coconut Palm, is a compact and attractive variety of the traditional Coconut Palm. Known for its shorter stature and early fruiting, this palm is perfect for smaller gardens and ornamental use while still producing edible coconuts.
Flowers
The Samoan Dwarf Coconut Palm produces small, creamy-yellow flowers that grow in large, branched inflorescences among the leaves. These flowers are followed by the distinctive coconuts, which mature over a period of 12 months.
Foliage
The leaves are pinnate and arching, with numerous narrow leaflets arranged along the length of the frond. Each frond can reach up to 2-3 meters in length. The leaflets are bright green, providing a lush and tropical appearance. The dense, feathery canopy creates a soft, elegant look.
Fruit
The fruit of this palm is a smaller coconut. The outer husk is green when immature, turning brown as it matures. Inside, the coconut contains a hard shell with coconut water and edible white flesh (coconut meat). The coconuts are highly prized for their nutritional value.
Form and Size
The Samoan Dwarf Coconut Palm typically grows to a height of 5-10 meters with a spread of 3-5 meters. It has a shorter, more compact trunk compared to standard coconut palms, making it suitable for smaller spaces. The trunk is smooth and grey, marked by ringed leaf scars, contributing to its ornamental appeal.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. It can tolerate saline conditions, making it suitable for coastal areas.
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. It requires plenty of sunlight to grow and produce coconuts.
- Water: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. It prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate brief periods of drought.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers warm, humid conditions and is frost-sensitive. The optimal temperature range is 24-29°C (75-84°F).
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for tropical-themed gardens, beach landscapes, and as a focal point in smaller gardens. Its compact size makes it suitable for ornamental use in various settings.
- Commercial: The coconuts are harvested for their water, milk, oil, and meat, which are used in a variety of food products and industrial applications.
- Ornamental: The shorter stature and coconuts provide a unique and exotic look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any dead or damaged fronds and old coconuts to maintain appearance and health.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, especially in sandy soils. Additional magnesium and potassium may be beneficial.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to lethal yellowing disease, scale insects, and spider mites. Ensure good air circulation and proper spacing to minimize disease risk.
Notes
The Samoan Dwarf Coconut Palm is a versatile and visually striking palm that adds a distinctive tropical flair to any garden or landscape. Its compact size and early fruiting make it a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers.
Companion Plants
- Heliconia spp. (Heliconia)
- Alpinia zerumbet (Shell Ginger)
- Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise)
- Bougainvillea spp. (Bougainvillea)
Common Name
Samoan Dwarf Coconut Palm
Botanical Name
Cocos nucifera 'Samoan Dwarf'
Family
Arecaceae
Origin
Tropical regions, selectively bred for dwarf characteristics, with origins traced to Samoa
Read lessPlease note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
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- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
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