Coconut: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:15, 21 February 2025

Tropical tree species

The coconut (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm family (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus Cocos. The term "coconut" can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which botanically is a drupe, not a nut.

Description[edit]

The coconut palm is a large palm, growing up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall, with pinnate leaves 4–6 meters (13–20 feet) long. Old leaves break away cleanly, leaving the trunk smooth. The term "coconut" refers to the fruit of the coconut palm, which is a large, green, oval-shaped drupe.

The exocarp, or outermost layer, is smooth and green, turning brown as it matures. Beneath the exocarp is the fibrous husk, or mesocarp, which surrounds the hard shell, or endocarp, that houses the seed. Inside the shell is the coconut "meat" or endosperm, and the coconut water.

Distribution[edit]

Coconuts are found throughout the tropics and subtropics, and are particularly associated with coastal areas. They are believed to have originated in the Indo-Pacific region, but their exact origin is still debated. The coconut's ability to float and resist saltwater allows it to spread across oceans, making it a highly successful species in tropical regions.

Cultivation[edit]

Coconut palms are cultivated in more than 90 countries, with a total production of over 60 million tonnes per year. The leading producers include Indonesia, Philippines, and India. The palms thrive in sandy soils and require high humidity and regular rainfall.

Uses[edit]

Coconuts are highly versatile and are used for their water, milk, oil, and meat. Coconut water is a popular beverage, while coconut milk and oil are used in cooking and cosmetics. The husk and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Coconuts hold cultural significance in many societies, particularly in tropical regions. They are often used in religious ceremonies and are a symbol of prosperity and fertility. In Hinduism, coconuts are offered to deities during worship.

Related pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Coconut palms in the Philippines
Coconuts growing on a palm

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[File:Coconut tree srilanka.jpg|alt=Coconut trees|thumb|Coconut trees]]Coconut is a large hard-shelled oval nut with a fibrous husk containing thick white meat surrounding a central cavity filled (when fresh) with [[fluid]] or milk; the edible white meat a coconut; often shredded for use in e.g. cakes and curries; tall palm tree bearing coconuts as fruits; widely planted throughout the tropics.
+{{short description|Tropical tree species}}
-=== Culinary Uses ===
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-* Coconut is used in a variety of different culinary applications, such as cooking, baking, and beverages. The fruit can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, and is a common ingredient in many different cuisines around the world.
-* Coconut can be consumed in a variety of different forms, such as fresh, dried, or canned. The fruit can be grated, shredded, or chopped, and can be used as a topping, filling, or flavoring in a variety of different dishes.
+[[File:Cocos_nucifera_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-187.jpg|thumb|right|Illustration of ''Cocos nucifera'']]
-* In addition to its culinary uses, coconut is also used in many different traditional medicines and remedies. The fruit has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, such as skin conditions, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.
-=== Nutrition and Health Benefits ===
+The '''coconut''' (''Cocos nucifera'') is a member of the [[palm family]] (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus ''Cocos''. The term "coconut" can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which botanically is a [[drupe]], not a [[nut]].
-* Coconut is a highly nutritious fruit that is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The fruit is a good source of potassium, iron, and magnesium, and is also high in antioxidants, which can help to protect against oxidative stress and chronic disease.
-* In addition, coconut oil, which is derived from the fruit, has been shown to have a variety of different health benefits, such as improving heart health, boosting brain function, and promoting weight loss.
+==Description==
-* However, coconut is also high in calories and fat, and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
+[[File:Coconut_4.jpg|thumb|left|A coconut split open to reveal the inner flesh and water]]
-=== Production and Distribution ===
+The coconut palm is a large palm, growing up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall, with pinnate leaves 4–6 meters (13–20 feet) long. Old leaves break away cleanly, leaving the trunk smooth. The term "coconut" refers to the fruit of the coconut palm, which is a large, green, oval-shaped drupe.
-* Coconut is grown and consumed in many different countries around the world, with the largest producers including the Philippines, Indonesia, and India. The fruit is typically harvested year-round, and can be stored and transported in a variety of different forms.
-* Coconut is widely available in most grocery stores and supermarkets, and can be found in a variety of different forms, such as fresh, dried, or canned. The fruit is also commonly used in the production of a variety of different food products, such as coconut milk, cream, and flour.
+The exocarp, or outermost layer, is smooth and green, turning brown as it matures. Beneath the exocarp is the fibrous husk, or mesocarp, which surrounds the hard shell, or endocarp, that houses the seed. Inside the shell is the coconut "meat" or endosperm, and the coconut water.
-== See also ==
-*[[Tropical fruit]]
+==Distribution==
-*[[Coconut milk]]
+[[File:Coconut_tree_leave.jpeg|thumb|right|Coconut palm leaves]]
-*[[Coconut oil]]
+Coconuts are found throughout the tropics and subtropics, and are particularly associated with coastal areas. They are believed to have originated in the [[Indo-Pacific]] region, but their exact origin is still debated. The coconut's ability to float and resist saltwater allows it to spread across oceans, making it a highly successful species in tropical regions.
-*[[Traditional medicine]]
-{{coconut}}
+==Cultivation==
-{{Culinary wrappings}}
+[[File:Cocos_nucifera_(coconut)_5_(38507429165).jpg|thumb|left|Coconut palms in a plantation]]
-{{Nuts}}
+Coconut palms are cultivated in more than 90 countries, with a total production of over 60 million tonnes per year. The leading producers include [[Indonesia]], [[Philippines]], and [[India]]. The palms thrive in sandy soils and require high humidity and regular rainfall.
-{{Non-timber forest products}}
-{{Taxonbar|from=Q13187}}
+==Uses==
-{{Authority control}}
+[[File:Cocos_nucifera_(coconut)_2_(39384972311).jpg|thumb|right|Coconuts ready for harvest]]
-[[Category:Coconuts| ]]
+Coconuts are highly versatile and are used for their water, milk, oil, and meat. Coconut water is a popular beverage, while coconut milk and oil are used in cooking and cosmetics. The husk and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating.
-[[Category:Edible palms]]
-[[Category:Flora of the Maldives]]
+==Cultural Significance==
-[[Category:Flora of the Tubuai Islands]]
+Coconuts hold cultural significance in many societies, particularly in tropical regions. They are often used in religious ceremonies and are a symbol of prosperity and fertility. In [[Hinduism]], coconuts are offered to deities during worship.
-[[Category:Garden plants of Asia]]
-[[Category:Garden plants of Central America]]
+==Related pages==
-[[Category:Halophytes]]
+* [[Palm oil]]
-[[Category:Afrotropical realm flora]]
+* [[Arecaceae]]
-[[Category:Australasian realm flora]]
+* [[Tropical agriculture]]
-[[Category:Indomalayan realm flora]]
-[[Category:Oceanian realm flora]]
+[[File:Exocarp_of_coconut.jpg|thumb|left|Close-up of the exocarp of a coconut]]
-[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
-[[Category:Non-timber forest products]]
+==Gallery==
-[[Category:Ornamental trees]]
-[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]
-[[Category:Trees of Belize]]
-[[Category:Trees of Haiti]]
-[[Category:Flora of India (region)]]
-[[Category:Trees of Indo-China]]
-[[Category:Trees of Malesia]]
-[[Category:Trees of Pakistan]]
-[[Category:Trees of the Caribbean]]
-[[Category:Trees of the Pacific]]
-[[Category:Tropical agriculture]]
-[[Category:Tropical fruit]]
-[[Category:Crops]]
-[[Category:Extant Eocene first appearances]]
-[[Category:Pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact]]
-[[Category:Oil seeds]]
-[[Category:Drupes]]
-[[Category:Fruit trees]]
-[[Category:Plant dyes]]
 <gallery>
-File:Cocos nucifera - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-187.jpg|Coconut
+File:JfBohol7038naturefvf_39.JPG|Coconut palms in the Philippines
-File:Coconut 4.jpg|Coconut
+File:Cocos_nucifera_(11124377083).jpg|Coconuts growing on a palm
-File:Cocos nucifera (coconut) 5 (38507429165).jpg|Coconut
-File:Cocos nucifera (coconut) 2 (39384972311).jpg|Coconut
-File:Exocarp of coconut.jpg|Coconut
-File:Historical Introduction of Coconuts (Gunn, Baudouin,|Coconut
-File:Geographical distributions of Indo-Atlantic and Pacific coconut subpopulations.png|Coconut
-File:Coconut fruits.jpg|Coconut
-File:Fish ponds Pandanus San Miguel Bulacan Highway 20.JPG|Coconut
-File:Coconut notches.jpg|Coconut
-File:CoconutHarvestCazones.JPG|Coconut
 </gallery>
+[[Category:Coconuts]]
+[[Category:Tropical agriculture]]
+[[Category:Arecaceae]]