Gangabondam is a popular dwarf coconut variety native to Andhra Pradesh India It is highly valued for its early maturation compact size and highquality coconut water
Here is a detailed description of the Ganga Bondam variety
1 Growth amp AppearanceTree Type A dwarf or semitall variety
Height Typically reaches a height of 610 feet 23 meters in its early bearing years making it easy to harvest without climbing equipment In older age 25 years it may reach up to 1520 feet
Trunk It has a relatively thin trunk compared to Tall varieties with closely spaced leaf scars
Leaves The crown is compact with around 30 functional leaves which are shorter than those of the taller varieties
2 Yield amp Fruit CharacteristicsEarly Bearing One of its standout features is how quickly it produces fruit It usually starts flowering within 3 to 4 years after planting
Nut Yield A healthy wellmaintained tree can yield between 60 and 200 nuts per year depending on the soil and irrigation
Fruit Size The nuts are medium to large and typically green in color
Water Content Highly prized for its tender coconut water a single nut can contain approximately 800ml to 1000ml of sweet nutrientrich water
3 Usage amp Economic ImportanceTender Coconut Because of its high water volume and sweetness it is primarily grown for the tender coconut market
Hybridization Ganga Bondam is famously used as a male or female parent in creating highyielding hybrid varieties For example
Godavari Ganga A cross between East Coast Tall and Ganga Bondam
Lakshaganga A cross between Lakshadweep Ordinary and Ganga Bondam
Copra amp Oil While mainly used for water the mature nut also provides good quality copra dried coconut meat with an oil content of about 6568