Cytology and origin of the dwarf coconut palm

Abstract

Distinct varieties of dwarf coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) occur in Malaya, Philippines, Fiji Islands, Viet Nam, Ceylon and India. These varieties grow to a height of 15-30 ft. compared with more than 50 ft. among normal tall types and need only 3-5 years to commence bearing in contrast to 8-10 years taken by the tall strains. While the tall varieties are largely obligatorily cross-pollinated, the dwarfs usually undergo self-pollination owing to the overlapping of the female and male phases in the same inflorescence. As a result, many dwarf strains yield homogeneous progenies and they can be used with advantage for identifying the most pre-potent males. The poor vigour and copra quality of the dwarf palms, however, render them unsuitable for cultivation on a plantation scale. In addition to the typical tall and dwarf palms, various intermediate categories occur in Nature and have also been obtained by crossing the tall and dwarf strains.