The Coconut palm tree (Cocos Nucifera) is grown widely in the tropical areas around the world. It is found in the Asian continent, Central and South America and Africa.

In the Asian continent it grows well in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Burma and Cambodia. In Africa this palm thrives in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Mozambique and Madagascar. In North and South America Coconut palms grow in abundance in Florida, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela.

This palm is usually found near the sea on sandy beaches where it can tolerate salt spray and brackish soils. The Coconut palm can also grow well inland.

The Cocos Nucifera is adaptable to a wide range of soil types. It can grow successfully in clay, acidic and alkaline soils. This tree is often found in rainforests.

The Coconut palm requires a minimum average temperature of 75°F but can tolerate short periods of colder temperatures.

The Coconut palm thrives under warm conditions in a humid climate with full sun and plenty of rainfall (60-100 inches annually). The trees can’t grow anywhere in warm conditions. They do need a high humidity situation. That’s why in the United States you can find them only in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the Virgin Islands. They are rarely seen in California.

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