Lytocaryum weddellianum

Lytocaryum weddellianum , also known as the miniature coconut palm or Weddell's palm, is a feather palm in the palm family. It is closely related to the coconut palm, but is much smaller and more cold tolerant, taking down to about 25 °F (−4 °C). This palm can be successfully grown in hardiness zones 9b–11. The palm has a small stature, only growing to a height of 6 feet. In rare cases, this palm can grow to 10 feet, with a trunk diameter of about 2". After flowering, it produces small edible fruits that resemble and taste like coconuts. It has been reported that oil extracted from the nuts has been important commercially (Bailey) This palm should be grown in well draining soil that is constantly moist, but not soggy, as this can lead to lethal root rot.

This palm originates in South America, though the exact location is unknown. It grows naturally in the rainforests of Brazil. It is a medium altitude palm, growing in altitudes of 50–800 m (160–2,620 ft). It thrives in the humid shade of the Brazilian rainforests. Originally, the palm was placed in the same species as the coconut palm, under the name Cocos weddelliana, before moving to the queen palm genus, Syagrus, and finally moving to its own genus, Lytocaryum.

References

1. http://www.trebrown.com/plant_info.php?species=Lytocaryum+weddellianum
2. http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Lytocaryum/weddellianum.html
3. http://www.junglemusic.net/palms/lytocaryum-wedellianum.htm

Bailey L. H. The Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 1928