coconuts

[sunniestbunn]

If I planted a coconut, would it grow into a tree?

[Buenchico]

You can buy potted coconut trees from B&Q but these are intended as indoor pot plants which live for a few years rather than there being any expectation that they will grow into full size trees.

If you want to try growing a coconut tree from a shop-bought coconut, you might be succesful but, like all seeds, your chances of success will depend upon the conditions in which the coconut has been stored and your ability to provide the right conditions to encourage growth.

More information here:
http://www.plantcultures.org.uk/plants/coconut_grow_it.h tml

Chris

[sunniestbunn]

thanks Chris, I will pass that info on to the seven year old who asked me that in school, maybe we will try and grow one.

[KARL]

Probably what was the essence of the question is whether a coconut acts as a seed - the answer is definitely yes and this is how they propagate in nature. What you should point out to your class is that the "plant" is a palm, not a tree. The difference is that there is no wood as such in a palm. You can also easily propagate date seeds to grow as (again) palms, the growth of which comes from the core in a way very similar to grass - the leaves then flop out and die (cut off close to the stem when cultivated). Further leaves grow up and are supported upward into a rising column of "carcasses".

[Laurinha]

If I planted one of my hairs, would it grow into a wig?

[BillyBB]

Not now it's 'dyed'