Species PlantsCoconut Palm

Coconut Palm

Cocos nucifera

UncommonPlant
Illustration of Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)

The Coconut Palm is one of the world's most useful plants and has been present in south Florida for centuries, possibly arriving via ocean currents or early human introduction. In North America it is found along the southern tip of Florida and the Florida Keys, where it is part of the tropical coastal landscape. Each tree can produce 50 to 200 coconuts per year, and the floating seeds are dispersed by ocean currents across thousands of miles.

Habitat
Coastal beaches, hammocks, and tropical shorelines of extreme south Florida and the Florida Keys.
Diet
Fruits consumed by raccoons; flowers visited by many insects; fronds provide nesting material for various birds.
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Coconut Palm

The best time to see a Coconut Palm is December–May, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,974 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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