FRESH FRUIT BUNCHES

• oil palm require 2000 mm rainfall per year
• 5 to 7 hours sunshine per day
• tropical zone area
• 15 degree North and 15 degree South of the Equator
• height increment 40 to 80 cm per year
• bunch fully developed in 22 weeks after pollination
• average bunch weight between 15 and 30 kg
• Dura palm - shell thickness 2 to 8 mm, mesocarp 30 to 65%
• Tenera palm - shell thickness 0.5 to 3 mm, mesocarp 60 to 99%
• Pisifera palm - has a kernel but no shell

Source : Palm Oil Process / J. A. Vugts