Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) are broadly grouped into two varieties based on height, growth habits, and breeding behavior: Tall varieties (var. *typica*) and Dwarf varieties (var. *nana*).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each statement concerning dwarf coconut palms:
- Statement (A) is correct: Dwarf palms are botanically classified under the variety *nana* (Cocos nucifera var. *nana*).
- Statement (B) is correct: They are characterized by a slow growth rate and short stature, typically reaching only 8-10 meters in height even at 20 years of age.
- Statement (C) is correct: Dwarf palms are precocious, starting to bear fruit within 3-4 years of planting.
- Statement (D) is incorrect: Dwarf palms have a shorter life span (about 40-50 years) compared to tall palms, which have a long productive life of 80 to over 100 years.
- Statement (E) is correct: 'Chowghat Green Dwarf' (CGD) and 'Chowghat Orange Dwarf' (COD) are highly popular, commercial dwarf cultivars grown in India.
Therefore, the correct statements are (A), (B), (C), and (E) only.
This corresponds to Option (B).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct statements about dwarf palms are (A), (B), (C) and (E) only.