COCONUT TREE

The term is derived from the 16th-century Portuguese and spanish word coco, meaning 'head' or 'skull' after the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features.

Coconuts are known for their versatility of uses, ranging from food to cosmetic.The inner flesh of the mature seed, as well as the coconut milkextracted from it, forms a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics. Coconuts are distinct from other fruits because their endospermcontains a large quantity of clear liquid,called coconut water or coconut juice.

Mature, ripe coconuts can be used as edible seeds, or processed for oli and plant milkfrom the flesh, charcoalfrom the hard shell, and coir from the fibrous husk Dried coconut flesh is called copra and the oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking – frying in particular – as well as in soaps band cosmeticsThe hard shells, fibrous husks and long pinnate 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.