The Humble Coconut

Journey the world with the worlds plant

Coconuts

Is it a fruit or a nut? Well botanically speaking, coconuts are a fibrous ‘drupe’, or ‘a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stone containing the seed, e.g., a plum, cherry, almond, or olive’. However, when using loose definitions, the coconut can fit in all three categories as a fruit, a nut, and a seed. I am fascinated with coconuts. I believe them to be the most incredible plant on our planet. You can eat them, drink them, wear them and run a diesel engine with them. You can make fibres, filters and oils. They are good for your skin, teeth, hair and gut. This is a journey to learn more about these amazing nuts and explore the journey of … the humble coconut.

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Coconutty

The coconut bra, famous for being a feature of the Hawaiian hula girl, is actually not native to Hawaii. The garment is a western idea that is not an authentic Hawaiian item.

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First Names...

The sailors aboard Vasco de Gama’s ships gave the coconut its name. They called it “Coco”, named after a grimacing face or hobgoblin. The brown, hairy husk and three face-like dimples made them think the seed looked like a sort of spirit

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Coconut Facts

In April 2007 the largest coconut ensemble was held with 5,877 people in London. They played it to the Monty Python hit “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life“.

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Coconuts, in different forms, are anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-parasite.

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The coconut palm is actually the national tree of The Maldives

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Carbon made from the coconut was used in the production of gas masks in WWI.

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The Tokelauans in the South Pacific, consume 60% of their daily calories from the coconut, and are in excellent health and show no signs of heart disease.

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The coconut bra, famous for being a feature of the Hawaiian hula girl, is actually not native to Hawaii. The garment is a western idea that is not an authentic Hawaiian item.

FACT CHECK