Coconut Trees vs. Palm Trees: What’s the Difference?

Coconut trees and palm trees may look similar, but there are distinct differences between them. Read on to learn more about coconut trees vs. palm trees.

Coconut trees and palm trees are both members of the Arecaceae family, which comprises palm plants in all forms. There are many similarities between them; however, there are some key differences. These differences mostly center around the production of fruit, oil and the shape and color of the trees and their leaves. Let’s talk a look at coconut trees vs. palm trees.

What Are Palm Trees?

“Palm tree” is a general term used for all trees that can be classed as Palmaceaes. The trees we think of when we picture palm trees produce palm oil. Other types of palm trees — like the coconut palm — produce coconuts and coconut oil. Another variety is the date palm, which produces dates. 

Palm trees predominantly grow throughout Asia and America, Australia, the Pacific Islands and islands on the Indian oceans. Palm trees also grow across Madagascar and Africa.

What Are Coconut Trees?

The coconut tree is also a member of the Arecaceae family, making it a palm tree. The main characteristic of coconut trees is that they grow coconuts, as the name indicates. Coconut trees are typically found in tropical regions, including the Caribbean, Indonesia, Australia the Pacific Islands and Florida. 

Coconut Trees vs. Palm Trees: Similarities

The most obvious similarity between coconut trees and palm trees is that both derive from the same family, Arecaceae, and they’re both of the Palmaceae class. They are also similar in appearance, with distinct wide, fan-like leaves. However, upon closer inspection, there are some essential differences between the two. 

Coconut Trees vs. Palm Trees: Differences

The most common difference between coconut trees and palm trees concerns their trunks. Coconut trees have a familiar palm tree shape: a long, smooth curved trunk. Palm trees mostly grow vertically, and their trunks have a scaly texture. The trunks of coconut trees also tend to be much lighter compared to palm trees, which are dark. 

The difference in the trees’ leaves is less easily identified. They are similar in size, color and texture. That said, palm trees alone have fan-shaped leaves, while coconut tree leaves are merely wide.

Read more:

• Save the Rainforest: 7 Things You Can Do
• Tropical Rainforest Ecosystems: Why Are They Important?
• How to Use Coconut Oil For Your Hair: 3 Tips

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