PALM - COCONUT (Cocos Nucifera)
The coconut is found throughout the tropical
and equatorial regions. Generally taken for granted, the fruit is undoubtedly
Nature’s greatest gift to man – and is often referred to as the tree of heaven.
The name ‘coconut’ is thought to be derived from the Portugese word for monkey
(quoque). The Portugese travelers who brought the fruit back to Europe
obviously saw a resemblance to a monkey’s face in the hairy ball with its three
black eyes. The coconut grows primarily near the sea, as they are able to
tolerate the salt content along the sandy shore. Its kernel provides food and
when dried (copra) yields oil with numerous traditional and modern
applications. Its husk can be used as a fuel or to make coir matting; the
leaves used for thatching and its timber for building. The hard shell of a
coconut can form a cup, a ladle or a measure. (the Malay chupak is equivalent
to half a coconut scoop). The sap from the flower called toddy can be fermented
to produce a liquor called arak or just boiled down until it forms a thick
brown sugar called gula melaka. The coconut is also considered a traditional
antidote to poisoning and its parts, combined with certain local medicinal
herbs, are seen as remedies for ailments. Lastly, the coconut also plays an
important role in religious offerings.
Do you know…The Indians believe that the coconut with its three eyes is believe to represent Lord Siva, the three eyed god of the Hindu trinity.
Do you know…The Indians believe that the coconut with its three eyes is believe to represent Lord Siva, the three eyed god of the Hindu trinity.