Attalea cohune — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Attalea cohune

Attalea Cohune

Updated · 26 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Attalea cohune, commonly known as the cohune palm (also rain tree, American oil palm, corozo palm or manaca palm), is a species of palm tree native to Mexico and parts of Central America.The cohune palm is used in the production of cohune oil and its nut can be used as a variety of vegetable ivory.

A note from PlantMom

The cohune palm has strong disease resistance and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. The cohune palm is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or a deck, and does not demand much prior gardening experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Attalea Cohune.

Light

The Cohune palm is native to open habitats—such as sunny meadows and forest edges—that supply abundant light. It performs best in Full Sun but will also tolerate Partial Sun, demonstrating good adaptability to varying sunlight conditions.

Water

The cohune palm, which originates from tropical rainforests, thrives in high humidity and prefers to be watered weekly. Although it can withstand moderate drought, it ideally requires consistent moisture. Usually grown outdoors, the palm benefits from natural rainfall, which helps enhance its foliage during the growing season.

Temperature

Cohune palm comes from tropical areas where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is adapted to high temperatures and moisture. It does not tolerate abrupt temperature changes and prefers a stable thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It typically cannot withstand cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing is essential for the care of the Cohune palm. Regular feeding during the growing season maintains the energy for its showy leaves and supports overall growth. Failing to fertilize can lead to unhealthy leaves, reduced ornamental value, and stunted or weak growth that is more likely to break.

Pruning

The cohune palm requires minimal pruning to thrive. To care for it effectively, follow these key techniques: remove dead leaves in early spring and trim fronds close to the trunk. Regular pruning improves air circulation, prevents pests, and encourages healthy growth. Be sure to sterilize your tools to prevent infections, and align your pruning schedule with the cohune palm's growth cycle for optimal results.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Attalea
Family
Arecaceae
Hardiness Zone
9
Mature Height
0 cm to 80 cm
Mature Spread
10.06 m to 14.94 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
10.16 cm to 15.24 cm
Bloom Time
All year round
Planting Time
Summer
Harvest Time
All year round
Native Area
Colombia, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Cohune palm en American oil palm en Cohune nut
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

What is the Cohune palm?

The Cohune palm, scientifically known as Attalea cohune, is a species of palm. Unfortunately, specific details about its characteristics, uses, or habitat were not provided.

PLATES
Attalea cohune leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Attalea cohune leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Attalea cohune fruit
PLATE 03 · fruit
Attalea cohune fruit
PLATE 04 · fruit
Attalea cohune habit
PLATE 05 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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