February 2025 International Palm Society Newsletter – Poleward Coconuts and Palm Trees in California Fires

[IPS Newsletter Editor]

In the February, 2025, newsletter, we get into the age-old question: Where do coconuts grow farthest from the equator? IPS member Marc Schuyler tells readers about his sighting of fruiting coconuts on Madeira, the Portuguese island in the Atlantic at 32 degrees north latitude. Also covered: the image of palms as extra-risky vectors of wildfire by journalists covering the catastrophic fires around Los Angeles in January, 2025; and success in funding the Save the Species campaign.

Feb-2025-newsletter.pdf

[bubba]

Look forward to Kyle's commentary. Both the Newport and La Quinta coconuts are at 33.6 degrees north. The largest trunking and viable coconut is currently being grown by Forum member, Stelios at 34. 8 degrees north. Malta Experiment has planted a coconut at 35 degrees north. If it continues to prosper and roll into the thriving category, it will take over. Maurice is growing a very promising specimen in Lindos, Greece when planted and progressing to thriving will become the record holder at 36 degrees north.

In southern Spain, an outdoor potted specimen thrives at 36.8 degrees north but it is potted at Malaga. Notwithstanding the intriguing possibility of this climate, after many years, no one has grown a true specimen in this region. In the southern hemisphere, several large specimens were planted at Sydney. Sydney is 32 degrees south. Tales of a specimen at Port Elizabeth, SA have never been substantiated.

It would be great to see some California coconuts that are potential world records. I would look to the Desert.