Botanical Name: Cocos nucifera L.
2n=32
Coconut, known as Kalpavriksha or the “tree of heaven,” is an essential tropical palm providing multiple resources. India ranks third globally in area (1.98 million ha) and first in production (20,439.6 million nuts), with an average yield of 10,345 nuts/ha (2014).
Botanical Description
Coconut belongs to the Arecaceae family. It is a tall, unbranched palm (12–24 m) with a ringed stem from leaf scars.
- Leaves: Large, pinnate leaves with 200+ narrow leaflets. A healthy palm has about 30–40 leaves and sheds 12–14 leaves annually.
- Roots: Adventitious roots arise from the base. Lateral branches (feeding roots) develop respiratory rootlets (pneumatophores).
- Inflorescence: Enclosed in a double sheath (spathe), it contains both male and female flowers. Male flowers are abundant; female flowers are fewer, located at spikelet bases.
- Pollination: Tall types are cross-pollinated; dwarfs are self-pollinated. Female flowers become receptive 19–20 days after spathe opens.
- Fruit: A single-seeded drupe with a fibrous outer layer, hard inner shell, and white edible endosperm (copra).
Soil and Climate Requirements
Coconut thrives in deep, well-drained sandy loam or red loamy soils; heavy clay or waterlogged areas are unsuitable. It prefers humid tropics, with 100–225 cm annual rainfall and ample sunlight. Ideal within 20° latitude and up to 1000 m elevation near the equator.
Varieties
- Tall: West Coast Tall, East Coast Tall, Laccadive Ordinary, Andaman Ordinary, Spicata – start bearing in 7–8 years.
- Dwarf: Chowghat Dwarf (Orange, Green), Malayan Dwarf (Green, Yellow, Orange), Gangabondam – bear in 3–4 years.
- Hybrids: Crosses between tall and dwarf (T × D, D × T) like Lakshaganga, Ananda Ganga, Kerasree, VHC-1, VHC-2 – early bearing and high yield.
Propagation and Planting
Propagation is through selected seed nuts. Germination begins in 11–12 weeks; seedlings are ready by 12–18 months.
- Spacing: Tall: 8m × 8m (156 palms/ha); Dwarf/Hybrids: 7m × 7m (204 palms/ha)
- Manure and Fertilizer: FYM: 50 kg/palm/year; Fertilizers (from 4th year): 500 g N + 330 g P₂O₅ + 1200 g K₂O/palm/year in split doses
Cultural Practices
- Prepare pits (1m³), fill with FYM, green leaves, and topsoil. Plant seedlings 45 cm deep.
- Irrigation: 200 L every 4 days or drip irrigation @ 30 L/day.
- Intercropping: Legumes (Mimosa, Stylosanthes, Calopogonium), green manures (sun hemp, dhaincha), spices (pepper, cardamom), coffee, and cocoa.
Harvesting and Yield
- Bearing begins at 6–7 years (tall) or 4–5 years (dwarf).
- Harvest year-round; summer is peak season.
- Yield: ~80–100 nuts/palm/year.
- Coconuts can be stored with husk or dehusked for copra/oil preparation.