CULTIVARS
The only cultivars that should be planted in
Florida are the ‘Malayan Dwarf’ selections and the
‘Maypan’ hybrid when it is available. These are
highly resistant to lethal yellowing which has been
progressively killing the common ‘Jamaican Tall’ and
other varieties. There are three ‘Malayan Dwarf’
forms -- green, yellow and golden, recognized by the
color of the petiole and the fruit. The golden and
yellow forms have a golden cast to the foliage and
bright yellow, highly ornamental fruit. The green
form has bright green leaves and nuts, making it an
outstanding ornamental. The ‘Malayan Dwarf’ is
actually a semi-dwarf which grows more slowly and
reaches a height of 40 to 60 feet. The trunk is
straighter and smaller in diameter, there is less
swelling at the base and the leaves are shorter and
more numerous. They begin flowering and fruiting at
4 or 5 years of age with nuts that are smaller and
closer to the ground.