TREE OF LIFE

The Coconut Tree (scientific name: Cocos Nucifera) is called the "Tree of Life" because all the parts of the entire tree--from top to bottom--are used to sustain human life. It must be the most useful tree in the world, bar none. The coconut is found in many parts of the world and, according to a 2012 report by UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) on the top 10 coconut producers in the world, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India are the top three producers, followed by Sri Lanka, Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia, in that order. 

      

                                         

The FRUIT (a.k.a. the Coconut)

        

Botanically speaking, the coconut is a fibrous, one-seeded drupe; however, when using loose definitions, the coconut can be all three:  a fruit, a nut, and a seed.

The outer layer is called the husk, which is a hard, fibrous layer; it is the source of coir which is used to make commercial products like brushes, carpets, clothes, doormats, fertilizer, fishnets, fuel, hollow blocks, insulators, mattresses  mats, ornaments, ropes, plastic boards, wall boards, yarn, etc.

The second layer under the husk is the shell which 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.

Inside the shell, the core of the coconut, are 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, margarine, pomade, soap, and shampoo, among others. 

The thin liquid inside is the coconut water or coconut juice, and should not be confused with coconut milk (which is extracted from the meat). The water from the young coconut (buko) makes a refreshing drink when chilled, and is said to help balance the electrolytes in the body. The water from the mature coconut (niyog) is not as pleasant-tasting, and is used to make vinegar, alcoholic drinks, nata de coco, etc. It is a fact that during the Pacific War of the 1940s, coconut water was used as emergency plasma transfusion to wounded soldiers. 

(The impressively long list of food products that can be derived from coconut meat and water are listed in a separate post in this blog.)

The FLOWER (Inflorescence)

"Inflorescence" is the arrangement of flowers on the stem or twig of a plant or tree. The coconut tree's bouquet of inflorescence is a beautiful thing to behold. The unopened flower buds are the source of coconut sap, which is used to make alcoholic drinks (tuba and lambanog), honey/nectar, sugar, vinegar, sugar, yeast, among others. There can be about 5 to 12 seeds in the inflorescence which could mature into coconuts.

The LEAVES

               

The leaves are woven into roofs and walls; they are used in cooking to wrap food and rice cakes, and in handicraft 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 (the PITH)

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. This is a prized part of the tree because you have to chop down the tree to get the pith.

The TRUNK

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

The roots are made into rope or twine, and can be used for making beverages, dyes, medicines, etc.

Sources: 
[provide complete info for the books]

Philippine Coconut Authority, Quezon City, Philippines

Dr. Conrado S., Dayrit, “The Truth About Coconut Oil.”

Cris C. Abiva, “The Coconut Facts Book.”