What palm has more uses than any other plant?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
November 20, 2001
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The coconut (Cocos nucifera) [co cos' nu sif' er a] brings to mind tropical islands; vacations in the sun with slow warm days, seductive nights, and tall palms swaying in the breeze. But few would ever think of the coconut as an economic plant. The coconut is considered the single most useful "tree" on Earth. Palms, though, are not trees, but are related to grasses. They do not produce wood; the trunks are composed of bundles of strong fibers.
Coconuts fall into 2 major varieties, niu kafa, a wild type and niu vai, a cultivated type. The niu kafa coconuts are found on many small islands and coral atolls where no humans cultivate them. Niu kafa coconuts are angular and elongate; the husk is unusually thick. The seed is small, only about 6 inches, and ovate (egg-shaped).
The niu vai coconuts are varieties that have been selected by humans for their size and quality. The fruit is spherical; the husk thin. The seed is up to 10 inches in diameter, yielding more meat and liquid. These have been carried by humans around the world.
A coconut supplies as much protein as a quarter pound of beef. Copra or the meat of the coconut is often sold shredded and sweetened. Copra is the source of coconut oil. Coconut oil ranks third in world production of vegetable oils (soybean and peanut oils rank first and second). This oil is used in thousands of products ranging from candy and bakery goods to shampoos, soaps, lotions, and synthetic rubber. Coconut sap from the inflorescence makes a type of molasses, and when fermented is called a "toddy".
The outer trunk supplies a lumber called "porcupine wood" used in the construction of homes and furniture. The frayed roots can be used for toothbrushes. The trunks are used to make drums. The husk (coir) is resistant to seawater and is used to make ropes for rigging on ships. When pulverized, coir is used horticulturally in potting media for propagating plants. Charcoal made from the coconut shell is highly absorbent of noxious gases; it is used in air and water filters and in gas masks. Coconut fronds are used in thatching, basketry, and woven items. It has been estimated that the coconut palm has more uses than any other plant on Earth.
Recipe Hound has posted Yvonne Ortiz's recipe for Arroz con Coco (Rice with Coconut). This is a wonderful Hispanic treat. To try this great dessert, click on the link:
http://www.recipehound.com/Recipes/4515.html
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
What palm produces ivory? Weird Plants - May 13, 2004
What is a toddy? What's in a Name? - January 2, 2004
What is carnauba? Plants that Changed History - March 2, 2004
What was the drunken date palm? Herbal Folklore - December 29, 2003
How was the spiny gru-gru utilized? Herbal Folklore - January 3, 2005
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