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| Flora |
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| Cashews |
| Cirian |
| Coconut |
| Habilla |
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| Tamarindo |
| A Tropical Garden |
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Books on Nature in Mexico |
The Coconut Palm
(Cocos nucifera)
Coconut palms are found in all the tropics between latitudes 20° north and south of the Equator. They are often sound on or near sandy beaches where they flourish in the humid atmosphere in free-draining sandy soil.
The coconut palm grows all along the coasts of Mexico, particularly on the western shores . Coconut groves line many of the roads and highways up and down the coast, providing coconut meat, oil, fiber, fronds (used to weave baskets and hats) and hueso (the stripped spine of the dried coconut frond used in constructing fences, walls and ceilings). Coconut groves often have other crops interspersed between the trees, such as bananas and mango trees.
It is believed that the coconut originated in the western Pacific, spreading from there by sea and carried by early peoples. It had already reached the Americas before Columbus's arrival there in 1492.
The coconut palm is generally very tall, with an unbranched trunk topped by fronds. A large bud, surrounded by the leaves, is found at he top of the stem. The bud is edible and is called the 'millionaire's cabbage' as it is considered a delicacy. Removal of this bud will kill the tree as it is the only point from which it grows.
The coconut fruit consists of a smooth outer skin ranging in color from green to yellowish-brown that covers a thick fibrous layer. Within these layers lies the hard dark-brown shell holding the seed or nut. The center of the seed holds the coconut water or milk and is a refreshing and highly nutritional drink.
Almost every portion of the coconut palm can be used. Coconut oil is used widely in soaps and cosmetics, and virgin Coconut Oil has been found to possess many healthful properties. Desiccated coconut meat is an important cooking ingredient. The milk and cream are used in curries and other culinary delights. A strong alcoholic beverage is made from the fermented and distilled sap. Coconut fiber from the husks is used in the fabrication of ropes, mats, nets and brushes. It is highly water-resistant. The hard, dried coconut shells are used in the production of arts and crafts. The trunks can be used in construction and the fronds are used for thatching roofs.
