English/ Common name- Coconut tree
Local name- ತೆಂಗಿನ ಮರ
Botanical name- Cocos nucifera
Appearance- Coconut is a round and elongated fruit of white, fibrous, and oily meat covered by a thick, brown, and hairy shell. The coconut palm tree has a single grayish-brown trunk with a crown of green fronds at the top. Coconut trees typically grow 50 to 65 feet tall, and the fronds spread 15 to 25 feet wide. Tall varieties may reach a height of 100 feet, and dwarf varieties may reach a height of only 40 feet.
Origin- The likely center of cultivation was the southern periphery of India, including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Laccadives. It was first cultivated on islands in Southeast Asia, meaning the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and perhaps the continent as well.
Conditions required for growth- Coconut palms prosper in a tropical region that receives 47 to 94 inches of rainfall a year, primarily from spring to late fall. In the winter dry season it should get no colder than 71 degrees Fahrenheit and in the summer rainy season no hotter than 93 degrees.
Uses- The coconut tree is called the "Tree of Life" because all the parts of the entire tree from top to bottom are used to sustain human life.
- The outer layer is called the husk, which is a hard, fibrous layer; which is used to make commercial products like brushes, carpets, clothes, doormats, fertilizer, fishnets, fuel, hollow blocks, insulators, mattresses mats, ornaments, ropes, plastic boards, wallboards, yarn, etc.
- The second layer under the husk is the shell that covers the meat inside; the shell can be burned to make fuel or charcoal or used to make bags, baskets, cups, frames, jewelry, lamps, ornaments, pots, purses, serving dishes, trays, etc. Activated carbon, which is made from its charcoal, is used in air purification systems.
- The core of the coconut is the meat and coconut water (or coconut juice). The meat is grated and squeezed to produce coconut milk, which is used in cooking a whole gamut of dishes, from appetizers to main courses and desserts; it is also made into candies, chips, flour, and animal feeds. The meat also produces coconut oil, which can be used not only for cooking, but also to make butter, crude oil, pomade, soap, and shampoo, among others.
- The coconut water or coconut juice makes a refreshing drink when chilled, and is said to help balance the electrolytes in the body. The water from the mature coconut is not as pleasant-tasting and is used to make vinegar, alcoholic drinks etc.
- The unopened flower buds are the source of coconut sap, which is used to make alcoholic drinks (kallu and lambanog), honey/nectar, sugar, vinegar, sugar, yeast, among others.
- The leaves are woven into roofs and walls; they are used in cooking to wrap food and rice cakes, and in handicrafts to make bags, balls, fans, hats, etc. Dried leaves produce good-quality paper pulp. The sturdy ribs are used to make brooms, placemats, window shades, etc.
- The heart of palm, or pith, which is found inside the upper trunk of the tree, is edible, and can be made into many delicious dishes.
- The trunk of the tree is made into charcoal and lumber for building construction and making furniture, jewelry, ornaments, and shampoo.
- The bark is also used in making paper pulp.
- The roots are made into rope and can be used for making beverages, dyes, medicines, etc.
Common remedies-
- For clearing acne and blemishes: (Part of the tree used - Drupe ) You can apply coconut water to tone and moisturize your skin. Coconut water is beneficial for your body, but it also helps clear your skin from acne and blemishes. The healthy drink also contains vitamin C which can help to boost your immune system, protect skin from further damage and heal wounds.
