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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Palm in Florida

Of the various Florida palm types, numerous species are not indigenous and have adapted to the states climatic conditions. Florida is renowned for its palm vegetation and landscapes. Its tropical climate is ideal for growth of various types of palm. This includes he coconut palm, Canary Island date palm, Florida royal palm and red Latin palm. A large area in central and southern Florida is favorable for palm growers. Palm cultivation plays a significant part in the regions economy.

Coconut Palm

Nothing quite evokes the tropics like the coconut palm. You can see it in all the tourist posters. In fact the coconut palm is at the heart of tropical life. People use the wood for building houses, the leaves for roofing, and the fruit for everything.

The husk is used as fuel for cooking, the inner fruit as a food, and the water for refreshment and medicine. But the coconut has amazing properties as one of nature's medicines and cosmetics, too. For one thing, coconut oil has antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. And it's a wonderful moisturizer. Try massaging your face with it at night and see how it smooths out your skin.

Coconut Palm importance

The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) is one the most important commercial crops. It is essentially a tropical palm but will grow outdoors in frost free areas of the far north. It is a large feather palm that often develops a leaning trunk. It may grow to 30 m high in the tropics but rarely exceeds 8 m in gardens.

The fruit seldom will not develop to its normal size in our climate but becomes large enough to be a conversation piece. Coconuts germinate well but take at least three months to sprout. They need consistent warmth and the whole nut must be planted, do not strip away the husk. May be grown indoors but resents cold draughts.

CONCLUSION

The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the Family Arecaceae (palm family). It is the only species in the genus Cocos, and is a large palm, growing to 30 m tall, with pinnate leaves 4-6 m long, pinnae 60-90 cm long; old leaves break away cleanly leaving the trunk smooth. The term coconut refers to the fruit of the coconut palm.