Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)
Key Facts
Scientific Name: Cocos nucifera, commonly called the Coconut Palm.
Native Home: Tropical coastal regions of the Indo-Pacific, and now widely grown throughout tropical countries.
Height: Can grow up to 60–100 feet (18–30 meters) tall.
Lifespan: Usually lives for around 60–80 years.
Uses and Harvesting
Coconut Fruit: Produces coconuts containing edible meat and water, which are widely used as food and drink.
Harvesting: Mature coconuts are collected by climbing the palm or using long harvesting tools.
Age to Harvest: Usually begins producing coconuts after about 5–7 years.
Products: Used for coconut oil, milk, water, food, coir fiber, and coconut-based products.
History and Global Production
Traditional Use: Tropical communities have used coconuts for centuries for food, shelter, rope, fuel, and household products.
Global Spread: Coconut palms are now grown widely across Asia, the Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Caribbean.
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