Tree of the Month: Coconutty Mcnutty

Continuing from where we stopped last time, I will be explaining how to plant a coconut tree and we’ll take it from there.

Soil types/conditions: Coconut tree thrives in highly fertile sandy soil, also a region with high humidity which is why they are common in tropical and subtropical rainforests, Coconut requires warm conditions and are mostly intolerant to cold temperatures.

So while you can always buy a seedling or a small coconut tree, you can plant the seed directly, it takes a lot of patience and a long time to germinate. First you will have to plant the seed inclusive of the outer fibrous husk.

5813256671_2107909ac1 — 0. First look of Coconut husk splitting allowing it to sprout.

Plant your coconut husk half way into the soil placing it on the side it naturally lands on.
Water lightly to keep the soil always moist but not dripping or soggy.
Always keep in partial shade or full sunlight.
It is important to note now that patience is very key here, it can take the coconut up to 9 months to sprout. The coconut husk will first split at the bottom and the root with take hold, it will take a couple more months for the top of the husk to split open.

also note that it will take your coconut tree up to seven years before it produces any fruits.

d154387c481ea2dd127739e80869ba01 — 1. Coconut fruit

Uses of Coconut

As always, the great thing about plants, edible plants in general is the fact that every part of the plant is useful for something or the other. Starting with the Fruit, the fleshy inner meat of the coconut can be eaten raw after it has been cracked open, it is also used in cooking shredded, blended and the milk extract used for cooking different savoury dishes.

Especially because of its high nutritious contents, the coconut flesh is also used in the cosmetic industry to make soaps, creams, scrubs, moisturizers etc. Oil can also be extracted from the coconut and it can be used to cook, moisturize your skin and hair. Finally, the flesh can also be turned into flour and used as a gluten-free substitute.

natural coconut walnut oil and soap — 2. natural coconut walnut oil

The water from inside the coconut is a refreshing drink with all the nutrients the coconut offers.

The hard shell of the coconut can be used as plates to steam food or for arts and crafts to beautify a space, the shell combined with the husk can be used for charcoal to cook.

The Husks are used as scrubbers for plates, pots, floors and also can be made into ropes.

The leaves can be dried and used for roof thatching and fences.

dry_coconut_leaf_by_shobhit_sharma-d3joft1 — 3. Semi-dried Coconut leaves

The sticks from the leaves can also be used in broom making.

The trunk can be used to make drums, furniture, containers.

Every part of the Coconut Tree right down to the roots which can be used to make dye is useful and is not to be wasted.

f4c6e4b10708d7d9277b2443fc0a6c0f — 4. Coconut trunk

“In Thailand and Malaysia, trained pig-tailed macaques are used to harvest coconuts.”

Love and everything lush

‘Loba

References

http://www.coconut-info.net/

http://www.cookycoconuts.com/Plantgrowacoconut.html

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Greens and Sunshine

Tree of the Month: Coconutty Mcnutty

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