(Cocos nucifera) is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family) and the only species of the genus Cocos.[1] The term coconut can refer to the whole coconut palm or the seed, or the fruit, which, botanically, is a drupe, not a nut. The spelling cocoanut is an archaic form of the word. The term is derived from the 16th-century Portuguese and Spanish word coco meaning “head” or “skull”, from the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features.
Coconuts are known for their great versatility, as evidenced by many traditional uses, ranging from food to cosmetics. They form a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics. Coconuts are distinct from other fruits for their large quantity of water (also called “juice”) and when immature, they are known as tender-nuts or jelly-nuts and may be harvested for their potable coconut water. When mature, they can be used as seed nuts or processed to give oil from the kernel, charcoal from the hard shell, and coir from the fibrous husk. The endosperm is initially in its nuclear phase suspended within the coconut water. As development continues, cellular layers of endosperm deposit along the walls of the coconut, becoming the edible coconut “flesh”. When dried, the coconut flesh is called copra. The oil and milkderived from it are commonly used in cooking and frying, as well as in soaps and cosmetics. The husks and leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decorating. The coconut also has cultural and religious significance in certain societies, particularly in India, where it is used in Hindu rituals.
In the Philippines, I say it is an epitome of a true blooded Filipino. Why? The Filipinos are so versatile and can do a lot of work even at one time. They can cook while the nearly finished dress is being sewn. A father can clean his car while at the same time watering the plants. The Coconut tree on the other hand has its many uses as well. Because of that, it is called the Tree of Life. Just like the ordinary Filipino, this tree is just simple yet can provide as one of the basic needs of the people.
There are a vast of coconut trees in this tropical archipelago. As a small child, we saw these trees growing in the farm where we usually play. We saw how its fruits are being harvested. A man without any shirts on, slippers off – with his bare foot would climb up with his bolo knife ( it is a kind of knife, a large cutting tool of Filipino origin ) to cut – off a pool of coconut fruits.
I have known many friends from other countries and they were all telling that it is only in the Philippines that they saw its many uses. Yes, that is why this coconut tree was labeled as the tree of life. Simply because of what it can provide. It protects, it feeds and it heals. When the tree reaches its 60 years, it can be a good lumber for building a shelter or a house. But before you cut the tree down, remove all the coconuts first otherwise it will be tremor as it roll down the ground. The very tough skin of the coconut tree can be used as fences or a yard decoration even for landscaping. A mature meat of coconut fruit which is thick and is called Copra, can be processed into cosmetics, oil, soap and other beauty products. What a wonder indeed!
Ooops, there’s more of its uses. The shell of coconut fruit can be cooked and be made into charcoal. The husk can be turned into doormats and the half shell can even be used to polish up the floor.
Spring rolls, yeah! Have you tasted this Filipino dish called “lumpiang ubod”? This is the real native Filipino spring roll without the meat. It’s an all-Filipino fresh vegetable egg rolls made with the heart of the palm called “ubod” as the main filling.
So what about the leaves? We can’t just throw it away. It also has many uses. It is good as a roofing material and as we use it, the more that it symbolizes tranquility and relaxation. It can also be made into a useful cleaning material called “walis ting-ting” or a sweeper.
Above, we mentioned that this tree heals. The coco water is a good cure for Urinary Tract Infection. It can be effective too as a substitute for sports water. Another wonder of this fruit is that it can be turned into a wine called “tuba” once naturally fermented.
So worry no more when you get here in the Philippines, need a shelter ? Stop and enjoy a sit under a coconut tree at the beachfront ( just be sure all the coconut fruits are already removed before it falls down on you ).
Ilocananglakwatsera 