The performance of dwarfs (Cocos nucifera L. variety Nana) as a plantation crop in Ceylon

Abstract

Data are presented on growth, flowering and yield of dwarf green, dwarf yellow and dwarf red palms. The short leaf span of this variety makes it possible to grow about 227 palms per hectare (92 palms per acre). All three colour forms bear early when compared with the commercially grown typica palm. However, the dwarf are a failure as a plantation crop for they yield not more than 1.25-2.50 tonnes of copra per hectare (half to one ton of copra per acre). As dwarf nuts are small overall production costs per unit of copra would be high. The dwarf yield 85-113g. (3-4 ozs.) copra per nut, which is low in comparison with the Ceylon typica (226g. or 8 oz. copra per nut). Nevertheless, the dwarf variety constitutes a valuable source of breeding material on account of its early bearing character.