Coconut
Description
Solitary feather-leafed palm to 30 m tall. Fronds are c. 5 m long, leaflets regularly arranged. Inflorescences are simple-branched among the leaves, has 2 woody bracts enclosing the inflorescence in bud. Fruits are large, green to yellow ripening greyish brown.
Distribution
A monotypic species, widely cultivated in the tropics. Fruits are easily water dispersed by ocean/sea currents. The origin of coconut is the subject of debate. It is likely origin in the Indo-Pacific region.
Uses
Coconut products are a major commodity of trade, the copra from the kernel is source of vegetable oil. Young coconut is harvested for coconut water and edible endosperm. Coconut inflorescence are also tapped for palm sugar, all parts of the tree can be used as different products.