Morphological Diversity of Kopyor Coconut in Indonesia

Abstract

In Indonesia, there is a rare type of coconut known as kopyor coconut which is the result of a mutation expressed in the endosperm. Kopyor coconut trees are found concentrated in several areas on the islands of Java and Lampung. However, there is little information reported about the kopyor coconut in the field, especially its variety and diversity. This chapter describes: (1) the center of kopyor coconut in Java and Sumatera Island, and (2) morphological diversity of kopyor coconut based on type, color, size, and endosperm texture. Kopyor coconut tree is classified into dwarf and tall types, as well as hybrids resulting from dwarf and tall hybridization. Hybrid kopyor coconuts are commonly found in the Pati area, Central Java. In fact, some observations showed that the diversity of kopyor coconuts in terms of color, size, and texture of the endosperm can be found among kopyor coconut population. In the tall kopyor coconut, there are green, brown, and red coconut fruits. However, the color of dwarf kopyor coconut fruit has more variations compared to tall. There are green, red, brown, yellow, brownish green, reddish brown green, greenish brown, and orange (ivory). The endosperm diversity of kopyor coconut was identified based on its texture, the percentage of endosperm volume filling the fruit cavity, and coconut water volume. Generally, kopyor coconut endosperm is classified into 3 types: Type A—clotted endosperm loose from the shell, crumbs, and no coconut water; Type B—some endosperm still attached to the shell, very crumbly, and little coconut water; and Type C—endosperm still attached to the shell and very soft has a lot of coconut water. Those information on the diversity of kopyor coconut is very important for researchers, laboratories, and institutions to develop in situ and ex situ conservation, as well as to produce superior kopyor coconut.