The coconut tree or palm is also known as 'The Tree of Life'. In fact the Sanskrit name for the coconut palm is 'Kalpa Vriksha', meaning "tree which gives all that is necessary for living.”
In the tropics every part of the coconut tree is used in day to day life. There are many different uses for the coconut palm. The trunks of the tree are often used to make small boats, canoes or furniture. Coconut palm trunks are also being used to build small bridges or used to build the walls of small houses since the trunk is naturally strong and straight.
The coconut palm leaves provide material for baskets and roof thatches, they can also be stripped and tied together to make a broom. The ribs of the leaves are also sharpened to make spears and arrows.
The bud of an adult coconut palm can be eaten, they are also known as ‘heart of palm’. Heart of palm is often eaten in salads, this is often known as the ‘millionaire’s salad’ this is because the heart of palm is very rare.
The root of the coconut palm tree has its own uses it can be used as a dye, a mouthwash and a medicine for diarrhoea.
A coconut palm takes between 6 to 10 years to mature and bear fruit.
