A member of the palm family, coconut tree or coconut palm is known as Cocos Nucifera. Grown mostly in the tropical region, coconut trees are natives of tropical islands in the western Pacific. In India, we see coconut trees in abundance in the coastal region of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Maharashtra. Known as the ‘Lakshmi Phal’, coconut is an integral part of religious functions across India.
See also: Jackfruit: Know how to grow and care for this fruit
What is special about a coconut tree?
A tall plant, coconut tree’s height is close to 20-30 meters in length. Coconut tree has an approximate age of 60-100 years. Coconut fruit is used for cooking, as well as medicinal purposes. The coconut tree is considered unique and special as each, and every part of the coconut tree is usable.
How to grow a coconut plant?
A single coconut seed can be used to grow the coconut tree, which eventually bears flowers and fruits. A coconut tree bears fruits after the first five years approximately. Growing in bunches, in a year, around 100-200 fruits are produced.
Growing a coconut tree
- Choose a coconut fruit with a lot of water in it.
- Immerse this coconut fruit into water for 3-4 days so that it soaks water. This is the most important process for the seed germination and growth. Monitor seed germination and allow the roots to develop and grow. The fruit is ready to be sown once the root is around 8-10 inches in length.
- Place the seed into soil, a mix of fertile soil and sand. Note that coconuts are predominantly found in coastal areas and grow well in sand.
- The coconut tree should get abundant water and sunlight for its growth, a reason why it survives well in coastal areas.
Read about Pygmy Date Palm
Uses of coconut tree
As mentioned above, all parts of the coconut tree are useful.
Coconut tree roots: Coconut tree roots are fibrous and are used to weave fabrics, artifacts, etc. They are also used in Ayurveda for medical purposes.
Coconut leaf: Coconut leaf is used as construction material to make roofs. Coconut leaves are also used in making brooms and toys.
See also: An eco-friendly home, made from coconut shells
Coconut trunk: Coconut trunk is used as fuel and charcoal. Similar in appearance to Mahogany wood, coconut trees are also used increasingly in making furniture.
Coconut fruit: Coconut fruit is used for cooking. We get coconut milk, coconut water and tender coconut skin from the coconut fruit. When dried, the coconut fruit is used as Kopra. Coconuts are also used to extract oil, which is preferred widely.
See also: Coconut husk: How to husk a coconut, uses, environmental and economic impact
FAQs
Where are coconut trees found in India?
In India, coconut trees are found in abundance in the coastal belt including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
How do coconut fruits grow?
On the coconut tree, coconut fruits grow in bunches with each bunch having 10-15 coconuts.