Miniature coconut palm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Syagrus weddelliana |
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Syagrus (plant)
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weddelliana
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The Syagrus weddelliana, also called the miniature coconut palm or Weddell's palm, is a lovely small palm tree. It is part of the palm family. This special palm is known for looking like a tiny version of a coconut palm.
What is the Miniature Coconut Palm?
This palm tree is quite small. It usually grows to about 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. Sometimes, it can reach 10 feet (3.0 m) in height. Its trunk is thin, only about 3+1⁄2 inches (8.9 cm) across.
After the palm flowers, it grows small fruits. These fruits are safe to eat. They look and taste a lot like tiny coconuts. Imagine having a mini coconut!
Where Does the Miniature Coconut Palm Live?
The miniature coconut palm comes from Brazil. It is native to the state of Rio de Janeiro. This area is in southeastern Brazil.
You can find these palms growing naturally in the rainforests there. They prefer places that are not too high or too low. They grow at altitudes from 50 m (160 ft) to 800 m (2,600 ft). They love the humid, shady conditions found in the Brazilian rainforests.
Growing Your Own Miniature Coconut Palm
This palm is related to the large coconut palm. However, it is much smaller. It can also handle colder weather better. It can survive temperatures as low as about 25 °F (−4 °C).
People often grow this palm in hardiness zones 10b to 11. It needs soil that drains water well. The soil should always be moist, but not soaking wet. If the soil is too soggy, the roots can rot, which can kill the plant.
Some people have found that oil from the nuts of this palm can be used for business. This shows how useful and interesting this small palm tree can be!
