Coconut

Appears in

By Bo Friberg

Published 1989

  • About

The coconut palm grows throughout the temperate part of the globe. Its value to the indigenous inhabitants wherever it flourishes cannot be described better than in the old native proverb, “He who plants a coconut tree plants vessel and clothing, food and drink, a habitat for himself, and a heritage for his children.” The coconut has, in fact, been called the tree of life, as it produces everything that is needed to sustain life. Ropes and fishing nets are made from the fibers surrounding the shell; the leaves are made into mats and used as roofing material; the trunk is used as timber; the coconut flesh and liquid are very nourishing; the shells can be used to make bowls; and the tiny shoots of the palm can be prepared and eaten as a vegetable.