ABSTRACT
The flowering is protandrous and the development of its cycles explains the reproductive behaviour of the two main types of coconut, between which are ranged the various cultivars (Rognon, 1976). The 'Tall' coconuts are mainly allogamous: the female flowering begins after the end of the male flowering. A certain rate of autogamy is, however, possible when the male flowering overlaps the female flowering of the preceding inflorescence. The Tall coconuts are also characterized by rapid growth, the presence of a voluminous bole at the base of the trunk, and widely spaced leaf scars. The Dwarf coconuts are most often autogamous: the female flowering occurs entirely (or mostly, as for the Brazilian Green Dwarf) before the male flowering ends. They are a small part of the world population and are generally located close to habitations. Apart from their autogamy, the Dwarfs are distinguished by slower growth, closely spaced leaf scars, greater precocity, and nuts that are smaller and often have a vividly coloured epidermis. There is also a variety of coconut similar to the Dwarfs in size, but allogamous: the Dwarf Niu Leka.
