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Coconut Palm Nuts
Coconut Palm Nuts. Described by Purdue University as one of the 10 most useful trees in the world, the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) offers building materials and shade with its fronds and ornamental value with its instantly recognizable silhouette. The palm's greatest treasure, however, is its coconut fruit. The white meat of the coconut, called...
Described by Purdue University as one of the 10 most useful trees in the world, the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) offers building materials and shade with its fronds and ornamental value with its instantly recognizable silhouette. The palm's greatest treasure, however, is its coconut fruit. The white meat of the coconut, called copra, is deeply flavorful and nutritious, while the fibrous coating of the hard brown shell, called coir, is handy in crafts. Coconuts may be propagated only in frost-free climates.
Copra
Copra may be removed from the inside of the shell and used as a healthy fat in cooking. It may also be dried and shredded and used in baking to make macaroons, cakes and candies. The copra may be pressed to derive coconut oil, which is also used in baking as well as in beauty products. Once the nut is about 5 months old, it fills up with a clear, slightly sweet water that is rich with vitamins and minerals.
Coir
Immature coconuts have a fleshy green or bronze covering, while mature nuts have a hard shell coated in coir and marked with three depressions called "eyes." Coir is resistant to seawater and can be woven into strong twine or rope for use on the cable and rigging systems of ships, according to Purdue University. It may also be used to make door mats, brooms, brushes and rugs. The hard, fine-grained shell of the fruit may be carved into useful household objects such as drinking cups. Shells can also be burned and used as fuel.
Propagation
Fresh coconuts can be planted, husks intact, directly in moist, well-draining, sandy soil in a bright, sunny location in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. Even very brief freezes will discolor leaves and damage the palm. Coconuts should be half buried, with one half exposed to air, and watered frequently to maintain moisture. Germination typically occurs in two to three months, according to Floridata. Soaking the coconut in water for one to two weeks may aid germination.
Considerations
Coconut palm is highly susceptible to a fatal phytoplasma disease called lethal yellowing, spread by a plant-hopping insect. The disease initially causes fruit drop and yellowing foliage. Eventually the disease weakens and withers the crown, killing the tree. Plant Malayan cultivars, which are resistant to the disease. Falling coconuts can pose a health hazard to passersby, especially if the tree is tall. They are often removed from resort trees for this reason. Coconuts can also cause significant damage to personal property.
