Coconut

The coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a tree in the palm family (Arecaceae). It has a long trunk without branches and large leaves resembling feathers, clustered at the top. Its fruit, also called coconut, is large with a hard shell, containing white flesh and liquid inside.

The tree grows in tropical regions near coasts, particularly in sandy soil that drains easily. In Somalia, coconuts are cultivated in the southern regions along the Indian Ocean coast, including areas around Barawe and Kismayo. The fruit is used for food, beverages, and oil.

Appearance of the tree

The trunk of the coconut is smooth and sometimes leaning, and can reach great heights. The leaves are pinnate, and constantly replace one another; lower ones fall away while new ones emerge from the center. The roots are numerous and smooth, spreading out under the ground, which helps the tree resist coastal winds.

The fruit and its parts

Coconut fruit has three layers: an outer husk, a fibrous brown layer (coir) from which fiber is made, and a hard shell. Inside is white edible flesh and sweet liquid for drinking. As the fruit ripens, some of the liquid transforms into thicker flesh. The processed flesh is called copra and is the main source of coconut oil.

Uses

Coconut has many uses. The flesh is cooked as food and coconut milk extracted from it is added to rice and stews. The oil is used for cooking, soap, and medicine. The coir fiber is made into rope, mats, and brushes. The leaves are used to thatch houses, while the shell is made into containers and fuel.

Distribution

Coconut fruit can float and drift across long distances at sea while still viable. For this reason the tree spread to many coasts of the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, before and after human cultivation. Its exact region of origin is uncertain, but scientists generally point to the Asia-Pacific region.