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| − | {{otheruses}} | + | {{honor_header|Unknown|Unknown|Nature|South Pacific Division/Island Ed.}} |
| − | {{Taxobox
| + | ==1. Give the general characteristics of the palm tree referring to the following parts:== |
| − | | name = Coconut Palm Trees | + | ===a. Stem or trunk === |
| − | | status = secure | + | A palm trunk are usually a straight, unbranched stem, though rarely the trunk will divide into two branches. Unlike other trees, palms add new growth to the inside of the stem. Other trees add new growth to the outside of the trunk. Thus, on a palm, the living wood is at the heart of the trunk and the old, dead wood is on the outside. In non-palms, the opposite is true. |
| − | | image = Cocos nucifera-01.jpg | |
| − | | image_width = 240px
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| − | | image_caption = Coconut Palms (''Cocos nucifera'')
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| − | | regnum = [[Plant]]ae
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| − | | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
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| − | | classis = [[Liliopsida]]
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| − | | ordo = [[Arecales]]
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| − | | familia = [[Arecaceae]]
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| − | | subfamilia = [[Arecoideae]]
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| − | | tribus = [[Cocoeae]]
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| − | | genus = '''''Cocos'''''
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| − | | species = '''''C. nucifera'''''
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| − | | binomial = ''Cocos nucifera''
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| − | | binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
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| − | }}
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| − | [[Image:Coconut germinating on Black Sand Beach, Island of Hawaii.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Coconut germinating on [[Black Sand Beach]], [[Hawaii (island)|Island of Hawaii]]]]
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| − | The '''Coconut Palm''' (''Cocos nucifera'') is a member of the Family [[Arecaceae]] (palm family). It is the only species in the [[genus]] ''Cocos'', and is a large palm, growing to 30 m tall, with [[pinnate]] [[leaf|leaves]] 4-6 m long, pinnae 60-90 cm long; old leaves break away cleanly leaving the [[trunk (botany)|trunk]] smooth. The term '''coconut''' refers to the fruit of the '''coconut palm'''. An alternate spelling is '''cocoanut'''.
| + | ===b. Roots === |
| | + | Palms are monocots, belonging to the same family as grass and bamboo. As such, their roots do not gain much diameter once the plant reaches maturity. Roots of dicots, on the other hand (that is, broadleaf plants such as oaks and maples) continue to grow and get fatter as long as the plant lives. Thus, the roots of a dicot will destroy a sidewalk as it heaves up the concrete, while a palm will do no damage. |
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| − | The coconut palm is grown throughout the [[tropics|tropical]] world, for decoration as well as for its many culinary and non-culinary uses; virtually every part of the coconut palm has some human uses.
| + | Palm roots are usually called "rootballs' because they form round structures. Rootballs will branch a bit but do not grow larger once the tree is mature. |
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| − | == Origins and cultivation == | + | ===c. Leaves === |
| − | [[Image:coconut tree.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The coconut tree.]]
| + | Palms have large evergreen leaves that are either palmately ('fan-leaved') or pinnately ('feather-leaved') compound and spirally arranged at the top of the stem. The leaves have a tubular sheath at the base that usually splits open on one side at maturity. |
| | + | ===d. Inflorescence or flowers=== |
| | + | The inflorescence is a panicle or spike surrounded by one or more bracts or spathes that become woody at maturity. The flowers are generally small and white, and radially symmetric. The sepals and petals usually number three each and may be distinct or joined at the base. The stamens generally number six, with filaments that may be separate, attached to each other, or attached to the pistil at the base. |
| | + | ===e. Fruits=== |
| | + | The fruit is usually a single-seeded drupe, but some genera (e.g. ''Salacca'') may contain two or more seeds in each fruit. |
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| − | The origins of this plant are the subject of controversy, with most authorities claiming it is native to [[South Asia]] (particularly the Ganges Delta), while others claim its origin is in northwestern [[South America]]. [[Fossil]] records from [[New Zealand]] indicate that small, coconut-like plants grew there as long as 15 million years ago. Even older fossils have been uncovered in [[Rajasthan]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Kerala]] (kera="coconut palm tree" and alam="land" or "location"), [[Maharashtra]], ([[India]]) and the oldest known so far in [[Khulna]], [[Bangladesh]]. Regardless of its origin, the coconut has spread across much of the tropics, probably aided in many cases by sea-faring peoples. The fruit is light and buoyant and presumably spread significant distances by marine currents. Fruits collected from the sea as far north as [[Norway]] have been found to be viable (and subsequently germinated under the right conditions). In the [[Hawaiian Islands]], the coconut is regarded as a [[Polynesia]]n introduction, first brought to the islands by early Polynesian voyagers from their homelands in the [[Oceania|South Pacific]]. They are now ubiquitous to most of the planet between 26ºN and 26ºS.
| + | ==2. a. What happens when the crown of a palm is cut out? <br>b. What happens when the trunk of a palm is damaged? == |
| − | The coconut palm thrives on sandy soils and is highly tolerant of [[salinity]]. It prefers areas with abundant sunlight and regular rainfall (1,500 to 2,500 mm annually), which makes colonizing shorelines of the tropics relatively straightforward.<ref name=sppia>Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry: [http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Cocos-coconut.pdf ''Cocos nucifera'' (pdf file)]</ref> Coconuts also need high [[humidity]] (70–80%+) for optimum growth, which is why they are rarely seen in areas with low humidity, like the [[Mediterranean]], even where temperatures are high enough (regularly above 24°C). They are very hard to establish in dry climates and cannot grow there without frequent irrigation; in drought conditions, the new leaves do not open well, and older leaves may become desiccated; fruit also tends to be shed.<ref name=sppia/> They may grow but not fruit properly in areas where there is not sufficient warmth, like [[Bermuda]].
| + | New growth comes from the crown, so if the crown is out out, the tree will die. The outer layers of a palm's trunk consists of dead tissue, and as such, it will not heal (just as your fingernails and hair do not "heal"). |
| − | [[Image:2005coconut and copra.PNG|thumb|right|Coconut and copra output in 2005]]
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| − | [[Image:coconut harvest.jpg|thumb|right|A man climbing a palm to harvest coconuts. Behind the palm a young plant is visible.]]
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| − | Coconut palms require warm conditions for successful growth, and are intolerant of cold weather. Optimum growth is with a mean annual temperature of 27°C(80.6°F), and growth is reduced below 21°C(69.8°F). Some seasonal variation is tolerated, with good growth where mean summer temperatures are between 28–37 °C (82.4-98.6 °F), and survival as long as winter temperatures are above 4–12 °C (39.2-53.6 °F); they will survive brief drops to 0 °C(32°F). Severe frost is usually fatal, although they have been known to recover from temperatures of -4 °C(24.8°F).<ref name=sppia/>
| + | ==3. In the Pacific islands there are several species of palm trees which are helpful to man. Name two of these and list as many ways as you can how each helps man. == |
| | + | ===Sago Palm=== |
| | + | Sago is a starch extracted from the pith inside stems of the sago palm ''Metroxylon sagu''. Sago forms a major staple food for the lowland peoples of New Guinea and the Moluccas where it is called sagu and traditionally is cooked and eaten in the form of a pancake served with fish. |
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| − | The [[flower]]s of the coconut palm are [[polygamomonoecious]], with both male and female flowers in the same inflorescence. Flowering occurs continuously, with female flowers producing seeds. Coconut palms are believed to be largely cross-[[pollination|pollinated]], although some dwarf varieties are self-pollinating.
| + | Sago looks like many other starches, and both sago and tapioca are produced commercially in the form of ''pearls''. These two kinds of pearls are similar in appearance and may be used interchangeably in some dishes. This similarity causes some confusion in the names of dishes made with the pearls. |
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| − | === Pests and diseases ===
| + | In addition to its use as a food source, the leaves and spathe of the sago palm are used for construction materials, for thatching roofs, and the fiber can be made into rope. |
| − | {{Main|List of coconut palm diseases}}
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| − | <!--[[Image:CoconutMandari.JPG|thumb|left|Coconuts affected by eriophyid mites, at [[Taliparamba]], [[Kannur]], [[Kerala]], [[India]].]]-->
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| − | Coconuts are susceptible to the [[phytoplasma]] disease [[lethal yellowing]]. One recently selected [[cultivar]], [[Maypan coconut palm|'Maypan']], has been bred for resistance to this disease. The fruit may also be damaged by [[eriophyid]] mites. The coconut is also used as a food plant by the [[larva]]e of many [[Lepidoptera]] ([[butterfly]] and [[moth]]) species, including the following ''[[Batrachedra]] spp'': ''B. arenosella'', ''B. atriloqua'' (feeds exclusively on ''Cocos nucifera''), ''B. mathesoni'' (feeds exclusively on ''Cocos nucifera''), and ''B. nuciferae''.
| + | The starch is also used to treat fiber to make it easier to machine. This process is called sizing and helps to bind the fiber, give it a predictable slip for running on metal, standardize the level of hydration of the fiber, and give the textile more body. Most cloth and clothing has been sized and this leaves a residue which is removed in the first wash. |
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| − | ''[[Brontispa longissima]]'' (the "Coconut leaf beetle") feeds on young [[leaves]] and damages [[seedlings]] and mature coconut [[Arecaceae|palms]]. On [[September 27]], [[2007]], [[Philippines]]' [[Metro Manila]] and 26 [[provinces]] were [[quarantined]] due to having been infested with this [[pest]] (to save the $800-million Philippine coconut [[industry]]).<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=91109 Inquirer.net, Beetles infest coconuts in Manila, 26 provinces]</ref>
| + | ===Coconut Palm=== |
| | + | The coconut palm is grown throughout the tropical world, for decoration as well as for its many culinary and non-culinary uses; virtually every part of the coconut palm has some human uses. |
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| − | ===Growing in the United States===
| + | Nearly all parts of the coconut palm are useful, and the palms have a comparatively high yield, up to 75 fruits per year; it therefore has significant economic value. The name for the coconut palm in Sanskrit is kalpa vriksha, which translates as "the tree which provides all the necessities of life". In Malay, the coconut is known as pokok seribu guna, "the tree of a thousand uses". In the Philippines, the coconut is commonly given the title "Tree of Life".[10] It its theorized that if you were to become stranded on a desert island populated by palm trees, you could survive purely on the tree and coconut alone, as the coconut provides all of the required natural properties for survival. |
| − | The only two states in the U.S. where coconut palms can be grown and reproduced outdoors without irrigation are [[Hawaii]] and [[Florida]]. Coconut palms will grow from [[Bradenton, Florida|Bradenton]] southwards on Florida's west coast and [[Melbourne, Florida|Melbourne]] southwards on Florida's east coast. The occasional coconut palm is seen north of these areas in favoured microclimates in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area and around Cape Canaveral. They may likewise be grown in favoured microclimates in the [[Rio Grande Valley]] area of Deep South Texas near [[Brownsville]] and on [[Galveston Island]]. They may reach fruiting maturity, but are damaged or killed by the occasional winter freezes in these areas. While coconut palms flourish in south Florida, unusually bitter cold snaps can kill or injure coconut palms there as well. Only the [[Florida Keys]] and the coastlines provide safe havens from the cold as far as growing coconut palms on the U.S. mainland.
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| − | The farthest north in the United States a coconut palm has been known to grow outdoors is in [[Newport Beach]], [[California]] along the [[Pacific Coast Highway (US)|Pacific Coast Highway]]. In order for coconut palms to survive in [[Southern California]] they need sandy soil and minimal water in the winter to prevent root rot, and would benefit from root heating coils.
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| − | ===Coconut production in the Middle East===
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| − | The main coconut producing area in the [[Middle East]] is the [[Dhofar]] region of [[Oman]]. Particular the area around [[Salalah]] maintains large coconut plantations similar to those found across the [[Arabian Sea]].The large coconut grooves of Dhofar are already mentioned by the medieval Moroccan traveller [[Ibn Battuta]] in his writings known as Al [[Rihla]] <ref>[http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/1354-ibnbattuta.html Medieval Sourcebook: Ibn Battuta: Travels in Asia and Africa 1325-1354<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.This is possible due to an annual rainy season known locally as [[Khareef]].Coconut are also increasingly grown for decorative purposes along the coasts of UAE and Saudi Arabia with the help of irrigation. The [[UAE]] has however imposed strict laws on mature coconut tree imports from other countries to reduce the spreading of [[pests]] that can spread to other native palm trees such as the date palm <ref>http://www.pubhort.org/datepalm/datepalm2/datepalm2_38.pdf</ref>.
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| − | ===Production===
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| − | [[Indonesia]] is the world leader in coconut production followed closely by the exponentially increasing product of [[the Philippines]]. Then, in a distant third [[India]].
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| − | {| border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="wikitable" align=left style="clear:left"
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| − | ! colspan=5|Top Ten Coconut Producers — 2005
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| − | ! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="30%" | Country
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| − | ! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="25%" | Production (Int $1000)
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| − | ! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="10%" | Footnote
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| − | ! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="25%" | Production (MT)
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| − | ! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="10%" | Footnote
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| − | | {{IDN}} || 1,474,172 || C || 16,300,000 || F
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| − | | {{PHL}} || 1,311,380 || C || 14,500,000 || F
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| − | | {{IND}} || 859,180 || C || 9,500,000 || F
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| − | | {{BRA}} || 274,380 || C || 3,033,830 ||
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| − | | {{LKA}} || 176,358 || C || 1,950,000 || F
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| − | |-
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| − | | {{THA}} || 135,660 || C || 1,500,000 || F
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| − | | {{MEX}} || 86,732 || C || 959,000 || F
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| − | |-
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| − | | {{VNM}} || 85,014 || C || 940,000 || F
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| − | | {{MYS}} || 64,212 || C || 710,000 || F
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| − | | {{PNG}} || 58,786 || C || 650,000 || F
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| − | |colspan=5 style="font-size:.7em"|No symbol = official figure, F = FAO estimate, * = Unofficial figure, C = Calculated figure;<br>
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| − | Production in Int $1000 have been calculated based on 1999-2001 international prices<br>
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| − | Source: [http://www.fao.org/es/ess/top/commodity.html?lang=en&item=249&year=2005 Food And Agricultural Organization of United Nations: Economic And Social Department: The Statistical Devision]
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| − | |}
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| − | {{-}}
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| − | == The fruit ==
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| − | {{nutritionalvalue | name=Coconut, meat, raw| kJ=1481| protein=3.3 g | fat=33.49 g | satfat=29.70 g | monofat=1.43 g | polyfat=0.37 g | carbs=15.23 g | fibre=9.0 g | | sugars=6.23 g | iron_mg=2.43 | calcium_mg=14 | magnesium_mg=32 | phosphorus_mg=113 | potassium_mg=356 | zinc_mg=1.1 | vitC_mg=3.3 | pantothenic_mg=0.300 | vitB6_mg=0.054 | folate_ug=26 | thiamin_mg=0.066 | riboflavin_mg=0.02 | niacin_mg=0.54 | right=1 | source_usda=1 }}
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| − | [[Image:Koeh-187.jpg|left|thumb|Illustration of a coconut tree]]
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| − | [[Image:Coconut01.jpg|right|thumb|An unopened coconut]]
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| − | [[botany|Botanically]], a coconut is a simple dry nut known as a fibrous [[drupe]]. The husk, or [[mesocarp]], is composed of [[fibre]]s called [[coir]] and there is an inner stone, or [[endocarp]]. The endocarp is the hardest part. This hard endocarp, the outside of the coconut as sold in the shops of non-tropical countries, has three [[germination]] [[stoma|pores]] that are clearly visible on the outside surface once the husk is removed. It is through one of these that the [[radicle]] emerges when the [[embryo]] germinates. Adhering to the inside wall of the endocarp is the ''testa'', with a thick albuminous [[endosperm]] (the coconut "meat"), the white and fleshy edible part of the seed.
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| − | Although coconut meat contains less [[fat]] than other dry nuts such as [[peanut]]s and [[almond]]s, it is noted for its high amount of [[saturated fat]].<ref>[http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts-C00001-01c208C.html Nutrition Facts and Information for Vegetable oil, coconut<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Approximately 90% of the fat found in coconut meat is saturated, a proportion exceeding that of foods such as [[lard]], [[butter]], and [[tallow]]. However, there has been some debate as to whether or not the saturated fat in coconuts is healthier than the saturated fat found in other foods (see [[Coconut oil#Effects on health|coconut oil]] for more information). Coconut meat also contains less [[sugar]] and more [[protein]] than popular fruits such as [[banana]]s, [[apple]]s and [[orange (fruit)|oranges]], and it is relatively high in [[dietary mineral|minerals]] such as [[iron]], [[phosphorus]] and [[zinc]].
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| − | The endosperm surrounds a hollow interior space, filled with air and often a liquid referred to as [[coconut water]], not to be confused with [[coconut milk]]. Coconut milk, called "santan" in [[Malay language|Malay]], is made by grating the [[endosperm]] and mixing it with (warm) water. The resulting thick, white liquid is used in much Asian cooking, for example, in [[curry|curries]]. [[Coconut water]] from the unripe coconut, however, can be drunk fresh. Young coconuts used for [[coconut water]] are called tender coconuts. The water of a tender coconut is liquid endosperm. It is sweet (mild) with aerated feel when cut fresh. Depending on the size a tender coconut could contain the liquid in the range of 300 to 1,000 ml. It is known in Tamil/Malayalam/Kannada as "elaneer".
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| − | When viewed on end, the endocarp and germination pores give the fruit the appearance of a ''coco'' (also Côca), a [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] word for a scary witch from [[Portugal|Portuguese]] folklore, that used to be represented as a carved vegetable lantern, hence the name of the fruit.<ref>Figueiredo, Cândido. Pequeno Dicionário da Lingua Portuguesa. Livraria Bertrand. Lisboa 1940. (in Portuguese)</ref> The specific name ''nucifera'' is Latin for ''nut-bearing''.
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| − | When the coconut is still green, the endosperm inside is thin and tender, often eaten as a snack. But the main reason to pick the fruit at this stage is to drink its water; a big coconut contains up to one liter. [[Image:Kokosnuss-Coconut.jpg|left|thumb|A mature coconut's interior]]
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| − | The meat in a young coconut is softer and more like [[gelatin]] than a mature coconut, so much so, that it is sometimes known as coconut jelly. When the coconut has ripened and the outer husk has turned brown, a few months later, it will fall from the palm of its own accord. At that time the endosperm has thickened and hardened, while the [[coconut water]] has become somewhat bitter.
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| − | [[Image:Kerala coconut.jpg|thumb|right|Coconuts sundried in [[Kozhikode]], [[Kerala]] for making [[copra]], which is used for making [[coconut oil]]]]
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| − | When the coconut fruit is still green the husk is very hard, but green coconuts only fall if they have been attacked by moulds, etc. By the time the coconut naturally falls, the husk has become brown, the coir has become drier and softer, and the coconut is less likely to cause damage when it drops. Still, there have been instances of coconuts falling from palms and injuring people, and claims of some fatalities. This was the subject of a paper published in 1984 that won the [[Ig Nobel Prize]] in 2001. Falling coconut deaths are often used as a comparison to [[shark]] attacks; the claim is often made that a person is more likely to be killed by a falling coconut than by a shark, yet, there is no evidence of people ever being killed in this manner.<ref>[http://www.straightdope.com/columns/020719.html Are 150 people killed each year by falling coconuts?] The Straight Dope, [[19 July]] [[2002]]. Retrieved [[19 October]] [[2006]]. </ref> However, William Wyatt Gill, an early [[London Missionary Society|LMS]] missionary on [[Mangaia]] recorded a story in which Kaiara, the concubine of King Tetui, was killed by a falling green nut. {{Fact|date=July 2008}} The offending palm was immediately cut down. This was around 1777, the time of [[Captain Cook]]'s visit.
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| − | In some parts of the world, trained [[macaque|pig-tailed macaques]] are used to harvest coconuts. Training schools for pig-tailed macaques still exist both in southern [[Thailand]] and in the [[Malaysia]]n state of [[Kelantan]].<ref>Training without Reward: Traditional Training of Pig-Tailed Macaques as Coconut Harvesters, Mireille Bertrand, ''Science'' 27 January 1967:
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| − | Vol. 155. no. 3761, pp. 484 - 486</ref> Competitions are held each year to find the fastest harvester.
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| − | == The shell ==
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| − | {| border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="20%" class="wikitable" align=left style="clear:left"
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| − | ! colspan=5|Coconut shell compound
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| − | (dry basis)
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| − | ! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="10%" | Compound
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| − | ! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="10%" | Percent
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| − | |-
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| − | | Cellulose || 33.61
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| − | |-
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| − | | Lignin || 36.51
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| − | |-
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| − | | Pentosans || 29.27
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| − | |-
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| − | | Ash || 0.61
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| − | |colspan=2 style="font-size:.7em"|Source: Jasper Guy Woodroof (1979). "Coconuts: Production, Processing, Products". 2nd ed. AVI Publishing Co. Inc.
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| − | |}
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| − | {{-}}
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| − | {| border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="20%" class="wikitable" align=left style="clear:left"
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| − | ! colspan=5|Coconut shell ash compound
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| − | |-
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| − | ! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="10%" | Compound
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| − | ! bgcolor="#DDDDFF" width="10%" | Percent
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| − | |-
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| − | | K<sub>2</sub>O || 45.01
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| − | |-
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| − | | Na<sub>2</sub>O || 15.42
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| − | |-
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| − | | CaO || 6.26
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| − | |-
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| − | | MgO || 1.32
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| − | |-
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| − | | Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> + Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>|| 1.39
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| − | |-
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| − | | P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> || 4.64
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| − | |-
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| − | | SO<sub>3</sub> || 5.75
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| − | |-
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| − | | SiO<sub>2</sub> || 4.64
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| − | |-
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| − | |colspan=2 style="font-size:.7em"|Source: Jasper Guy Woodroof (1979). "Coconuts: Production, Processing, Products". 2nd ed. AVI Publishing Co. Inc.
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| − | |}
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| − | {{-}}
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| − | ==The roots==
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| − | The palm has no tap root nor does it have root hairs. Instead, the palm has a [[fibrous root system]] <ref name=pk>P.K. Thampan. 1981. Handbook on Coconut Palm. Oxford & IBH Publishing Co.</ref>.
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| − | ==The [[inflorescence]]==
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| − | On the same inflorescence, the palm produces both the female and male flowers; thus the palm is [[monoecious]]<ref name=pk/>.
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| − | == Uses ==
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| − | Nearly all parts of the coconut palm are useful, and the palms have a comparatively high yield, up to 75 fruits per year; it therefore has significant [[economic]] value. The name for the coconut palm in [[Sanskrit]] is ''kalpa vriksha'', which translates as "the tree which provides all the necessities of life". In [[Malay language|Malay]], the coconut is known as ''pokok seribu guna'', "the tree of a thousand uses". In the [[Philippines]], the coconut is commonly given the title "[[Tree of life|Tree of Life]]".<ref>{{cite book|last=Fife|first=Bruce|title=Coconut Cures|publisher=Piccadilly Books, Ltd.|year=2005|pages=17|isbn=0941599604|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=JW8RtCJqZ8MC|accessdate=2008-04-04}}</ref> It its theorised that if you were to become stranded on a desert island populated by palm trees, you could survive purely on the tree and coconut alone, as the coconut provides all of the required natural properties for survival.{{Fact|date=August 2008}}
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| − | [[Image:Coconutpeel.jpg|Coconut in market| 180px|thumb]][[Image:GntCoconut.jpg|thumb|right|Sold on a street at [[Guntur]], [[India]]]][[Image:Green Coconut Vendor in India in Summer.jpg|thumb|Green Coconut Vendor in [[Delhi]], [[India]] in [[Summer]]]][[Image:Coconut drink.jpg|thumb|left|A relatively young coconut which has been served in a hawker centre in [[Singapore]] with a straw with which to drink its [[coconut water]].]]
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| | Uses of the various parts of the palm include: | | Uses of the various parts of the palm include: |
| − | === Culinary === | + | ==== Culinary ==== |
| − | * The white, fleshy part of the [[seed]] is edible and used fresh or dried in cooking. | + | * The white, fleshy part of the seed is edible and used fresh or dried in cooking. |
| − | * [[Bud sport|Sport fruit]]s are also harvested, primarily in the Philippines, where they are known as ''macapuno''. They are sold in jars as "gelatinous mutant coconut" cut into balls or strands. | + | * Sport fruits are also harvested, primarily in the Philippines, where they are known as ''macapuno''. They are sold in jars as "gelatinous mutant coconut" cut into balls or strands. |
| − | * The cavity is filled with [[coconut water]] which contains [[sugar]], [[dietary fiber|fibre]], [[protein]]s, [[antioxidant]]s, [[vitamin]]s and [[mineral]]s. [[Coconut water]] provides an [[isotonic]] [[electrolyte]] balance, and is a highly nutritious food source. It is used as a refreshing drink throughout the humid tropics and is also used in isotonic sports drinks. It can also be used to make the gelatinous dessert [[nata de coco]]. Mature fruits have significantly less liquid than young immature coconuts; barring spoilage, [[coconut water]] is sterile until opened. | + | * The cavity is filled with coconut water which contains sugar, fiber, proteins, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Coconut water provides an isotonic electrolyte balance, and is a highly nutritious food source. It is used as a refreshing drink throughout the humid tropics and is also used in isotonic sports drinks. It can also be used to make the gelatinous dessert nata de coco. Mature fruits have significantly less liquid than young immature coconuts; barring spoilage, coconut water is sterile until opened. |
| − | * [[Coconut milk]] is made by processing grated coconut with hot water or milk, which extracts the oil and aromatic compounds. It should not be confused with the [[coconut water]] discussed above, and has a fat content of approximately 17%. When refrigerated and left to set, [[coconut cream]] will rise to the top and separate out the milk. The milk is used to produce virgin coconut oil by controlled heating and removing the oil fraction. Virgin coconut oil is found superior to the oil extracted from copra for cosmetic purposes. | + | * Coconut milk is made by processing grated coconut with hot water or milk, which extracts the oil and aromatic compounds. It should not be confused with the coconut water discussed above, and has a fat content of approximately 17%. When refrigerated and left to set, coconut cream will rise to the top and separate out the milk. The milk is used to produce virgin coconut oil by controlled heating and removing the oil fraction. Virgin coconut oil is found superior to the oil extracted from copra for cosmetic purposes. |
| | * The leftover fibre from coconut milk production is used as livestock feed. | | * The leftover fibre from coconut milk production is used as livestock feed. |
| − | * The smell of coconuts comes from the [[6-pentyloxan-2-one]] molecule, known as delta-decalactone in the food and fragrance industry.<ref>Data sheet about delta-decalactone and its properties: http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/data/rw1013411.html</ref> | + | * The smell of coconuts comes from the 6-pentyloxan-2-one molecule, known as delta-decalactone in the food and fragrance industry. |
| − | * The [[sap]] derived from incising the flower clusters of the coconut is drunk as [[neera]], or fermented to produce [[palm wine]], also known as "toddy" or, in the Philippines, ''tuba''. The sap can also be reduced by boiling to create a sweet syrup or candy.
| + | * Apical buds of adult plants are edible and are known as "palm-cabbage" or heart-of-palm. It is considered a rare delicacy, as the act of harvesting the bud kills the palm. Hearts of palm are eaten in salads, sometimes called "millionaire's salad". |
| − | * [[Apical meristem|Apical buds]] of adult plants are edible and are known as "palm-cabbage" or [[heart-of-palm]]. It is considered a rare delicacy, as the act of harvesting the bud kills the palm. Hearts of palm are eaten in salads, sometimes called "millionaire's salad". | + | * Ruku Raa is an extract from the young bud, a very rare type of nectar collected and used as morning break drink in the islands of Maldives reputed for its energetic power keeping the "raamen" (nectar collector) healthy and fit even over 80 and 90 years old. And by-products are sweet honey-like syrup and creamy sugar for desserts. |
| − | * [[Coconut nectar|Ruku Raa]] is an extract from the young bud, a very rare type of nectar collected and used as morning break drink in the islands of [[Maldives]] reputed for its energetic power keeping the "raamen" (nectar collector) healthy and fit even over 80 and 90 years old. And by-products are sweet honey-like syrup and creamy sugar for desserts. | + | * Newly germinated coconuts contain an edible fluff of marshmallow-like consistency called coconut sprout, produced as the endosperm nourishes the developing embryo. |
| − | * Newly germinated coconuts contain an edible fluff of [[marshmallow]]-like consistency called coconut sprout, produced as the endosperm nourishes the developing embryo. | + | * In the Philippines, rice is wrapped in coco leaves for cooking and subsequent storage - these packets are called puso. |
| − | * In the Philippines, rice is wrapped in coco leaves for cooking and subsequent storage - these packets are called [[puso]]. | |
| | | | |
| − | === Non-culinary === | + | ==== Non-culinary ==== |
| | [[Image:srilanka coconut fibre.jpg|thumb|Extracting the fibre from the husk (Sri Lanka).]] | | [[Image:srilanka coconut fibre.jpg|thumb|Extracting the fibre from the husk (Sri Lanka).]] |
| − | <!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:Coconut-My Tho.JPG|thumb|200px|right|The coconut trunk pillars for roping the boat in [[Mỹ Tho]], [[Vietnam]].]] -->
| + | * Coconut water can be used as an intravenous fluid. |
| − | * [[Coconut water]] can be used as an intravenous fluid.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Campbell-Falck D, Thomas T, Falck TM, Tutuo N, Clem K |title=The intravenous use of [[coconut water]] |journal=Am J Emerg Med |volume=18|issue=1 |pages=108–11 |year=2000 |pmid=10674546 |doi=}}</ref> | + | * Coir (the fiber from the husk of the coconut) is used in ropes, mats, brushes, caulking boats and as stuffing fibre; it is also used extensively in horticulture for making potting compost. |
| − | * [[Coir]] (the fibre from the husk of the coconut) is used in ropes, mats, brushes, caulking boats and as stuffing fibre; it is also used extensively in [[horticulture]] for making potting compost. | + | * Coconut oil can be rapidly processed and extracted as a fully organic product from fresh coconut flesh, and used in many ways including as a medicine and in cosmetics, or as a direct replacement for diesel fuel. |
| − | * [[Coconut oil]] can be rapidly processed and extracted as a fully organic product from fresh coconut flesh<ref>[http://kokonutpacific.com.au/ Direct Micro Expelling of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil], Kokonut Pacific Pty Ltd, accessed 4 January 2008</ref>, and used in many ways including as a [[medicine]] and in [[cosmetic]]s, or as a direct replacement for [[diesel fuel]]. | + | * Copra is the dried meat of the seed and, after further processing, is a source of low grade coconut oil. |
| − | * [[Copra]] is the dried meat of the seed and, after further processing, is a source of low grade [[coconut oil]]. | |
| | * The leaves provide materials for baskets and roofing thatch. | | * The leaves provide materials for baskets and roofing thatch. |
| − | * [[Palmwood]] comes from the trunk and is increasingly being used as an ecologically-sound substitute for endangered hardwoods. It has several applications, particularly in [[furniture]] and specialized construction (notably in [[Manila]]'s [[Coconut Palace]]). | + | * Palmwood comes from the trunk and is increasingly being used as an ecologically-sound substitute for endangered hardwoods. It has several applications, particularly in furniture and specialized construction (notably in Manila's Coconut Palace). |
| | * Hawaiians hollowed the trunk to form drums, containers, or even small canoes. | | * Hawaiians hollowed the trunk to form drums, containers, or even small canoes. |
| − | * The husk and shells can be used for fuel and are a good source of [[charcoal]]. | + | * The husk and shells can be used for fuel and are a good source of charcoal. |
| | * Dried half coconut shells with husks are used to buff floors. In the Philippines, it is known as "bunot", and in Jamaica it is simply called "coconut brush" | | * Dried half coconut shells with husks are used to buff floors. In the Philippines, it is known as "bunot", and in Jamaica it is simply called "coconut brush" |
| | * In the Philippines, dried half shells are used as a music instrument in a folk dance called ''maglalatik'', a traditional dance about the conflicts for coconut meat within the Spanish era | | * In the Philippines, dried half shells are used as a music instrument in a folk dance called ''maglalatik'', a traditional dance about the conflicts for coconut meat within the Spanish era |
| − | * Shirt buttons can be carved out of dried coconut shell. Coconut buttons are often used for Hawaiian [[Aloha shirt]]s. | + | * Shirt buttons can be carved out of dried coconut shell. Coconut buttons are often used for Hawaiian Aloha shirts. |
| | * The stiff leaflet midribs can be used to make cooking skewers, kindling arrows, or are bound into bundles, brooms and brushes. | | * The stiff leaflet midribs can be used to make cooking skewers, kindling arrows, or are bound into bundles, brooms and brushes. |
| − | * The [[root]]s are used as a [[dye]], a mouthwash, and a medicine for [[dysentery]]. A frayed-out piece of root can also be used as a [[toothbrush]]. | + | * The roots are used as a dye, a mouthwash, and a medicine for dysentery. A frayed-out piece of root can also be used as a toothbrush. |
| − | * Half coconut shells are used in [[theatre]] [[Foley sound effects]] work, banged together to create the sound effect of a [[horse]]'s hoofbeats. They were used in this way in the [[Monty Python]] film [[Monty Python and the Holy Grail]].
| |
| | [[Image:Srilanka coconut rug.jpg|thumb|left|Making a rug from coconut fibre.]] | | [[Image:Srilanka coconut rug.jpg|thumb|left|Making a rug from coconut fibre.]] |
| − | * The leaves can be woven to create effective roofing materials, or [[reed mat]]s. | + | * The leaves can be woven to create effective roofing materials, or reed mats. |
| − | * Half coconut shells may be deployed as an improvised bra, especially for comedic effect or theatrical purposes. They were used in this way in the [[1970]]s UK [[sitcom]] [[It Ain't Half Hot Mum]] for example.
| + | * Fresh inner coconut husk can be rubbed on the lens of snorkeling goggles to prevent fogging during use. |
| − | * Drained coconuts can be filled with [[gunpowder]] and used as [[Improvised explosive device]]s.
| + | * Dried coconut leaves can be burned to ash, which can be harvested for lime. |
| − | * In [[fairground]]s, a "[[coconut shy]]" is a popular target practice game, and coconuts are commonly given as prizes.
| + | * Dried half coconut shells are used as the bodies of musical instruments, including the Chinese yehu and banhu, and the Vietnamese đàn gáo. |
| − | * A coconut can be hollowed out and used as a home for a rodent or small bird. Halved, drained coconuts can also be hung up as bird feeders, and after the flesh has gone, can be filled with fat in winter to attract [[tit (bird)|tits]].
| + | * Coconut is also commonly used as a herbal remedy in Pakistan to treat bites from rats. |
| − | * Fresh inner coconut husk can be rubbed on the lens of snorkelling goggles to prevent fogging during use. | + | * In World War II, coastwatcher scout Biuki Gasa was the first of two from the Solomon Islands to reach the shipwrecked, wounded, and exhausted crew of Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109 commanded by future U.S. president John F. Kennedy. Gasa suggested, for lack of paper, delivering by dugout canoe a message inscribed on a husked coconut shell. This coconut was later kept on the president's desk, and is now in the John F. Kennedy Library. |
| − | * Dried coconut leaves can be burned to ash, which can be harvested for [[Lime (mineral)|lime]]. | |
| − | * Coconuts can be used as ammunition for homemade [[catapult]]s.
| |
| − | * Dried half coconut shells are used as the bodies of musical instruments, including the Chinese [[yehu]] and [[banhu]], and the Vietnamese [[đàn gáo]]. | |
| − | [[Image:Coconut wall.jpg|thumb|right|A wall made from coconut husks.]]
| |
| − | * Coconut is also commonly used as a herbal remedy in [[Pakistan]] to treat bites from rats. | |
| − | * The "branches" (leaf petioles) are strong and flexible enough to make a [[switch (rod)|switch]]. The use of coconut branches in corporal punishment was revived in the Gilbertese community on Choiseul in the [[Solomon Islands]] in 2005.<ref>[http://www.corpun.com/sbj00603.htm Corporal punishment on the Solomon Islands]</ref>
| |
| − | * In [[World War II]], [[Coastwatchers|coastwatcher]] scout [[Biuki Gasa]] was the first of two from the [[Solomon Islands]] to reach the shipwrecked, wounded, and exhausted crew of [[Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109]] commanded by future U.S. president [[John F. Kennedy]]. Gasa suggested, for lack of paper, delivering by dugout canoe a message inscribed on a husked coconut shell. This coconut was later kept on the president's desk, and is now in the [[John F. Kennedy Library]]. | |
| | * Coconut trunks are used for building small bridges, preferred for their straightness, strength and salt resistance | | * Coconut trunks are used for building small bridges, preferred for their straightness, strength and salt resistance |
| | | | |
| − | ==See also== | + | ==4. Identify by sight six different types of palms which grow in your area. Do this in any language. == |
| − | [[Image:Gelugu (coconut wood) in Klaten, Java.jpg|thumb|240px|Gelugu (coconut wood) in [[Klaten]], [[Java]]]]
| + | ==5. Draw and name the six palm trees you have identified showing clearly the leaf formation, flowers and seed shape as well as the fruit. == |
| − | *[[Coconut charcoal]]
| + | ==6. Parts of palms are used for food or to help with the preparation of food. From your culture tell how a palm tree or part of it is used as food or in food preparation e.g. sago palm, coconut palm. Tell how to prepare it.== |
| − | *[[Coconut cream]]
| + | Sago is made through the following steps: |
| − | *[[Coconut milk]]
| + | # Felling the sago palm tree; |
| − | *[[Coconut oil]]
| + | # Splitting the trunk open lengthwise; |
| − | *[[Coconut water]]
| + | # Removing the pith; |
| − | *[[Maypan coconut palm]]
| + | # Crushing and kneading the pith to release the starch; |
| − | *[[Coconut candy]]
| + | # Washing and straining to extract the starch from the fibrous residue; |
| − | | + | # Collection of the raw starch suspension in a settling container. |
| − | == References ==
| + | The sago starch is then either baked (resulting in a product analogous to bread or a pancake) or mixed with boiling water to form a kind of paste. Sago can be made into steamed puddings such as sago plum pudding, ground into a powder and used as a thickener for other dishes, or used as a dense glutinous flour. |
| − | {{reflist}}
| |
| | | | |
| − | == External links ==
| + | In Indonesia and Malaysia, sago is used in making noodles, white bread. Pearl sago, a commercial product, closely resembles pearl tapioca. Both typically are small (about 2 mm diameter) dry, opaque balls. Both may be white (if very pure) or colored naturally grey, brown or black, or artificially pink, yellow, green, etc. When soaked and cooked, both become much larger, translucent, soft and spongy. Both are widely used in South Asian cuisine, in a variety of dishes, and around the world, usually in puddings. In India, pearl sago is called sabudana ("whole grain") and is used in a variety of dishes. |
| − | {{Commons|Cocos nucifera}}
| |
| − | * [http://www.fao.org/docrep/x0270e/x0270e03.htm#P168_10799 Coconut Varieties Endemic to Sri Lanka]
| |
| − | * [http://cocos.arecaceae.com/ Coconut Time Line]
| |
| − | * [http://www.plantcultures.org/plants/coconut_landing.html Plant Cultures: botany, history and uses of the coconut]
| |
| − | * [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Cocos_nucifera.html Purdue University crop pages: ''Cocos nucifera'']
| |
| − | *[http://www.bioversityinternational.org/Plants_and_Animals/Coconut/index.asp Coconut]
| |
| − | * {{cite book
| |
| − | | author= P. Batugal, V. R. Rao and J. Oliver
| |
| − | | year=2005
| |
| − | | title= Coconut Genetic Resources
| |
| − | | publisher= COGENT (International Coconut Genetic Resources Network) - IPGRI (International Plant Genetic Resources Institute)
| |
| − | |url= http://www.bioversityinternational.org/Publications/pubfile.asp?ID_PUB=1112
| |
| − | }}
| |
| − | *[http://www.bioversityinternational.org/Publications/pubfile.asp?ID_PUB=392 Descriptors for Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)]
| |
| − | * [http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/ Coconut Research Center]
| |
| | | | |
| − | [[Category:Palms]]
| + | ==References== |
| − | [[Category:Coconut| ]] | + | * [http://palms.org/ International Palm Society] |
| − | [[Category:Tropical agriculture]]
| + | * http://www.sunpalmtrees.com/Palm-Tree-Care-Pruning.html |
| − | [[Category:Flora of Cambodia]]
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| − | [[Category:Flora of India]]
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| − | [[Category:Flora of the Maldives]]
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| − | [[Category:Flora of Pakistan]]
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| − | [[Category:Medicinal plants]]
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| − | [[gn:Mbokaja'a]] | + | [[Category:Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book|{{SUBPAGENAME}}]] |
| − | [[zh-min-nan:Iâ-á]]
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| − | [[bi:Kokonas]]
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| − | [[bg:Кокосова палма]]
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| − | [[ca:Cocoter]]
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| − | [[cs:Kokosovník ořechoplodý]]
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| − | [[da:Kokos]]
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| − | [[de:Kokospalme]]
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| − | [[et:Kookospalm]]
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| − | [[es:Cocos nucifera]]
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| − | [[eo:Kokoso]]
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| − | [[fa:نارگیل]]
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| − | [[fr:Cocotier]]
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| − | [[gl:Coco]]
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| − | [[ko:코코넛]]
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| − | [[hi:नारियल]]
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| − | [[hsb:Kokosowa palma]]
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| − | [[hr:Kokosova palma]]
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| − | [[id:Kelapa]]
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| − | [[it:Cocos nucifera]]
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| − | [[he:קוקוס]]
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| − | [[jv:Krambil]]
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| − | [[sw:Mnazi (mti)]]
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| − | [[lt:Riešutinė kokospalmė]]
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| − | [[ln:Kokotí]]
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| − | [[ml:തെങ്ങ്]]
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| − | [[mr:शहाळे]]
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| − | [[ms:Pokok Kelapa]]
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| − | [[nl:Kokospalm]]
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| − | [[ja:ココナッツ]]
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| − | [[no:Kokosnøtt]]
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| − | [[pl:Kokos właściwy]]
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| − | [[pt:Coqueiro]]
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| − | [[ro:Cocotier]]
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| − | [[qu:Pikwayu]]
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| − | [[ru:Кокосовая пальма]]
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| − | [[simple:Coconut palm]]
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| − | [[sl:Kokos]]
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| − | [[sr:Кокосова палма]]
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| − | [[su:Kalapa]]
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| − | [[fi:Kookospalmu]]
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| − | [[sv:Kokospalm]]
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| − | [[ta:தேங்காய்]]
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| − | [[te:కొబ్బరి]]
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| − | [[th:มะพร้าว]]
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| − | [[zh-yue:椰子]]
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Template:Honor header
1. Give the general characteristics of the palm tree referring to the following parts:
a. Stem or trunk
A palm trunk are usually a straight, unbranched stem, though rarely the trunk will divide into two branches. Unlike other trees, palms add new growth to the inside of the stem. Other trees add new growth to the outside of the trunk. Thus, on a palm, the living wood is at the heart of the trunk and the old, dead wood is on the outside. In non-palms, the opposite is true.
b. Roots
Palms are monocots, belonging to the same family as grass and bamboo. As such, their roots do not gain much diameter once the plant reaches maturity. Roots of dicots, on the other hand (that is, broadleaf plants such as oaks and maples) continue to grow and get fatter as long as the plant lives. Thus, the roots of a dicot will destroy a sidewalk as it heaves up the concrete, while a palm will do no damage.
Palm roots are usually called "rootballs' because they form round structures. Rootballs will branch a bit but do not grow larger once the tree is mature.
c. Leaves
Palms have large evergreen leaves that are either palmately ('fan-leaved') or pinnately ('feather-leaved') compound and spirally arranged at the top of the stem. The leaves have a tubular sheath at the base that usually splits open on one side at maturity.
d. Inflorescence or flowers
The inflorescence is a panicle or spike surrounded by one or more bracts or spathes that become woody at maturity. The flowers are generally small and white, and radially symmetric. The sepals and petals usually number three each and may be distinct or joined at the base. The stamens generally number six, with filaments that may be separate, attached to each other, or attached to the pistil at the base.
e. Fruits
The fruit is usually a single-seeded drupe, but some genera (e.g. Salacca) may contain two or more seeds in each fruit.
2. a. What happens when the crown of a palm is cut out?
b. What happens when the trunk of a palm is damaged?
New growth comes from the crown, so if the crown is out out, the tree will die. The outer layers of a palm's trunk consists of dead tissue, and as such, it will not heal (just as your fingernails and hair do not "heal").
3. In the Pacific islands there are several species of palm trees which are helpful to man. Name two of these and list as many ways as you can how each helps man.
Sago Palm
Sago is a starch extracted from the pith inside stems of the sago palm Metroxylon sagu. Sago forms a major staple food for the lowland peoples of New Guinea and the Moluccas where it is called sagu and traditionally is cooked and eaten in the form of a pancake served with fish.
Sago looks like many other starches, and both sago and tapioca are produced commercially in the form of pearls. These two kinds of pearls are similar in appearance and may be used interchangeably in some dishes. This similarity causes some confusion in the names of dishes made with the pearls.
In addition to its use as a food source, the leaves and spathe of the sago palm are used for construction materials, for thatching roofs, and the fiber can be made into rope.
The starch is also used to treat fiber to make it easier to machine. This process is called sizing and helps to bind the fiber, give it a predictable slip for running on metal, standardize the level of hydration of the fiber, and give the textile more body. Most cloth and clothing has been sized and this leaves a residue which is removed in the first wash.
Coconut Palm
The coconut palm is grown throughout the tropical world, for decoration as well as for its many culinary and non-culinary uses; virtually every part of the coconut palm has some human uses.
Nearly all parts of the coconut palm are useful, and the palms have a comparatively high yield, up to 75 fruits per year; it therefore has significant economic value. The name for the coconut palm in Sanskrit is kalpa vriksha, which translates as "the tree which provides all the necessities of life". In Malay, the coconut is known as pokok seribu guna, "the tree of a thousand uses". In the Philippines, the coconut is commonly given the title "Tree of Life".[10] It its theorized that if you were to become stranded on a desert island populated by palm trees, you could survive purely on the tree and coconut alone, as the coconut provides all of the required natural properties for survival.
Uses of the various parts of the palm include:
Culinary
- The white, fleshy part of the seed is edible and used fresh or dried in cooking.
- Sport fruits are also harvested, primarily in the Philippines, where they are known as macapuno. They are sold in jars as "gelatinous mutant coconut" cut into balls or strands.
- The cavity is filled with coconut water which contains sugar, fiber, proteins, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Coconut water provides an isotonic electrolyte balance, and is a highly nutritious food source. It is used as a refreshing drink throughout the humid tropics and is also used in isotonic sports drinks. It can also be used to make the gelatinous dessert nata de coco. Mature fruits have significantly less liquid than young immature coconuts; barring spoilage, coconut water is sterile until opened.
- Coconut milk is made by processing grated coconut with hot water or milk, which extracts the oil and aromatic compounds. It should not be confused with the coconut water discussed above, and has a fat content of approximately 17%. When refrigerated and left to set, coconut cream will rise to the top and separate out the milk. The milk is used to produce virgin coconut oil by controlled heating and removing the oil fraction. Virgin coconut oil is found superior to the oil extracted from copra for cosmetic purposes.
- The leftover fibre from coconut milk production is used as livestock feed.
- The smell of coconuts comes from the 6-pentyloxan-2-one molecule, known as delta-decalactone in the food and fragrance industry.
- Apical buds of adult plants are edible and are known as "palm-cabbage" or heart-of-palm. It is considered a rare delicacy, as the act of harvesting the bud kills the palm. Hearts of palm are eaten in salads, sometimes called "millionaire's salad".
- Ruku Raa is an extract from the young bud, a very rare type of nectar collected and used as morning break drink in the islands of Maldives reputed for its energetic power keeping the "raamen" (nectar collector) healthy and fit even over 80 and 90 years old. And by-products are sweet honey-like syrup and creamy sugar for desserts.
- Newly germinated coconuts contain an edible fluff of marshmallow-like consistency called coconut sprout, produced as the endosperm nourishes the developing embryo.
- In the Philippines, rice is wrapped in coco leaves for cooking and subsequent storage - these packets are called puso.
Non-culinary
Extracting the fibre from the husk (Sri Lanka).
- Coconut water can be used as an intravenous fluid.
- Coir (the fiber from the husk of the coconut) is used in ropes, mats, brushes, caulking boats and as stuffing fibre; it is also used extensively in horticulture for making potting compost.
- Coconut oil can be rapidly processed and extracted as a fully organic product from fresh coconut flesh, and used in many ways including as a medicine and in cosmetics, or as a direct replacement for diesel fuel.
- Copra is the dried meat of the seed and, after further processing, is a source of low grade coconut oil.
- The leaves provide materials for baskets and roofing thatch.
- Palmwood comes from the trunk and is increasingly being used as an ecologically-sound substitute for endangered hardwoods. It has several applications, particularly in furniture and specialized construction (notably in Manila's Coconut Palace).
- Hawaiians hollowed the trunk to form drums, containers, or even small canoes.
- The husk and shells can be used for fuel and are a good source of charcoal.
- Dried half coconut shells with husks are used to buff floors. In the Philippines, it is known as "bunot", and in Jamaica it is simply called "coconut brush"
- In the Philippines, dried half shells are used as a music instrument in a folk dance called maglalatik, a traditional dance about the conflicts for coconut meat within the Spanish era
- Shirt buttons can be carved out of dried coconut shell. Coconut buttons are often used for Hawaiian Aloha shirts.
- The stiff leaflet midribs can be used to make cooking skewers, kindling arrows, or are bound into bundles, brooms and brushes.
- The roots are used as a dye, a mouthwash, and a medicine for dysentery. A frayed-out piece of root can also be used as a toothbrush.
Making a rug from coconut fibre.
- The leaves can be woven to create effective roofing materials, or reed mats.
- Fresh inner coconut husk can be rubbed on the lens of snorkeling goggles to prevent fogging during use.
- Dried coconut leaves can be burned to ash, which can be harvested for lime.
- Dried half coconut shells are used as the bodies of musical instruments, including the Chinese yehu and banhu, and the Vietnamese đàn gáo.
- Coconut is also commonly used as a herbal remedy in Pakistan to treat bites from rats.
- In World War II, coastwatcher scout Biuki Gasa was the first of two from the Solomon Islands to reach the shipwrecked, wounded, and exhausted crew of Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109 commanded by future U.S. president John F. Kennedy. Gasa suggested, for lack of paper, delivering by dugout canoe a message inscribed on a husked coconut shell. This coconut was later kept on the president's desk, and is now in the John F. Kennedy Library.
- Coconut trunks are used for building small bridges, preferred for their straightness, strength and salt resistance
4. Identify by sight six different types of palms which grow in your area. Do this in any language.
5. Draw and name the six palm trees you have identified showing clearly the leaf formation, flowers and seed shape as well as the fruit.
6. Parts of palms are used for food or to help with the preparation of food. From your culture tell how a palm tree or part of it is used as food or in food preparation e.g. sago palm, coconut palm. Tell how to prepare it.
Sago is made through the following steps:
- Felling the sago palm tree;
- Splitting the trunk open lengthwise;
- Removing the pith;
- Crushing and kneading the pith to release the starch;
- Washing and straining to extract the starch from the fibrous residue;
- Collection of the raw starch suspension in a settling container.
The sago starch is then either baked (resulting in a product analogous to bread or a pancake) or mixed with boiling water to form a kind of paste. Sago can be made into steamed puddings such as sago plum pudding, ground into a powder and used as a thickener for other dishes, or used as a dense glutinous flour.
In Indonesia and Malaysia, sago is used in making noodles, white bread. Pearl sago, a commercial product, closely resembles pearl tapioca. Both typically are small (about 2 mm diameter) dry, opaque balls. Both may be white (if very pure) or colored naturally grey, brown or black, or artificially pink, yellow, green, etc. When soaked and cooked, both become much larger, translucent, soft and spongy. Both are widely used in South Asian cuisine, in a variety of dishes, and around the world, usually in puddings. In India, pearl sago is called sabudana ("whole grain") and is used in a variety of dishes.
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