COCONUT PLANTATIONS IN THE INTERIOR OF AFRICA. 



By Professor EDM. LEPLAE. 

 Director-General of Agriculture, Colonial Office, Brussels. 



IT is a common belief that the coconut palm flourishes 

 only in close proximity to the sea-shore. From particu- 

 lars gathered in Central Africa and Brazil, it appears 

 that this tree thrives quite as well, if planted in suitable 

 soils and climates, even at a very great distance from 

 the sea, and in continental situations. 



Coconut plantations in the interior of Belgian Congo 

 are as yet represented only by small clumps or avenues 

 of coconut palms in a few places on the river in Central 

 Congo. The growth of these palms, however, although 

 planted at a distance of 550 miles from the sea, as at the 

 Eala Botanical Gardens, and at 970 miles, as at Stanley- 

 ville, is quite satisfactory on account, no doubt, of the 

 permanent and warm moisture and the regularly misty 

 nights. 



The annual rainfall on the northern reach of the river 

 varies between 52 and 80 in. ? the average being about 

 64 in. (1,600 mm.-). On the lower Aruwimi River the 

 average is near 80 in. 



AVERAGE RAINFALL IN UPPER CONGO. 



The rainfall in these places is fairly well distributed 

 throughout the year, as is indicated in the following 

 table, and there are no real dry seasons. 



