Coconut Tree -

Genus: Cocos

Species: Nucifera

Parts used: The nut and leaves

   There are many varieties of coconut trees. They all have a tall graceful trunks topped by a crown light feathery leaves that are 15-17 feet long. The leaves are a yellow-greenish color. The trucks are light gray. The coconut grows in fain forests and other tropical climates. The coconut fruit has a hard outside and white meat under a hollow center which is filled with coconut milk. After the flowers bloom they form into coconuts. it takes about a year or so for the coconut tree to mature. One tree can make 50 nuts. People harvest the coconuts by climbing the tree and cutting down the coconuts. Coconut palm trees grows in hot areas. They normally grows in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific region. In the United States they are found only in Hawaii, the Southern tip of Florida, and Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  Coconuts have helped some families from the Pacific with shelter, food, drinks, and many other things needed. The trunks of the coconut trees are used to stabilize buildings. People eat the white meat of the coconut and the sap from closed flowers are used to make sugar, vinegar and the alcohol beverage. They drink the liquid for a refreshing drink. Coconuts contain protein, sugar, and vitamins. The dried meat can be used in candies, cake, cookies, and pies.