Botanical Description
The Coconut (Cocos nucifera) also known locally as Niyog is a slender palm native to the Indo-Malayan region that can reach up to 25 meters in height. It has large pinnate leaves that can measure around 4 to 6 meters in length. Its fruits are a pseudomonomerous drupe with a thick fibrous husk; the edible part of the fruit consists of its fatty endosperm and the fluid contained within known as “coconut water”. It is a ubiquitous sight in the tropics, being widely cultivated on beaches throughout the world.
Uses:
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The coconut yields many useful products, apart from being a source of food the endosperm also yields products such as coconut oil and coconut milk.
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The husk of the coconut is used to produce coconut coir which is a fiber used for a variety of things from rope making to horticulture.
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The leaves are used as thatching for roofs as well as for basket making and the wood can be used for construction.
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Cultivated throughout the world due to its unique look and fruits, as such its visage is highly associated with the tropical weather and beaches.