Summary: Cocos nucifera (Coconut) is a plant in the Arecaceae family. Verdica documents 135 traditional uses, 233 phytochemical compounds, and 19 herb-drug interactions for this species.
Coconut, cocus nucifera, is a monoecious large palm of about 30 m tall with long pinnate leaves that break away cleanly leaving the unbranched trunk smooth. The fruit is a drupe comprised of three layers: the exocarp, mesocarp (coconut husk), and the endocarp. The root system of coconut is fibrous. There is a dwarf variety. It is known as the tree of life for all of its plant parts has a wide range of uses. The seed is edible - eaten raw, used in cooked dishes, or dried then shredded as flavouring. Coconut milk or cream is commonly used as ingredient in many African and Asian food and bakery products. The seed also yields edible oil that is used in cooking, making margarine, shortening, filled milk, ice cream, confectionaries, etc. Coconut juice is a popular refreshing drink. The inflorescence is cooked as vegetable. Further, it yields a sugary sap which can be fermented to make an alcoholic beverage. The apical bud is edible as well but harvesting it will kill the trunk. The roots of coconut tree are roasted and used as a substitute for coffee. The pith of the stem is made into bread, added to soups, or pickled. Furthermore, coconut is widely used in traditional medicine. The seed oil is rubbed onto stiff joints and used in the treatment of rheumatism and back pain. Coconut milk, on the other hand, is used to treat fish poisoning. Coconut juice is drink to treat kidney problems. The root is used to treat stomach pains and blood in the urine. Coconut fibre or husk is widely used in making peat-free composts and as mulch. When burnt, it is used as fertilizer. The oil is used in making soap, detergents, cosmetics, candles, etc. The leaves are interwoven and used as thatching materials or in making baskets and mats. The midribs of leaflets are made into brooms. The roots may be used as a toothbrush. Coconut seed shells are used as cups, bowls, musical instruments, etc. or made into charcoal. The wood is used for the structural framework of houses, poles, furniture, and parquet flooring.
| Sunlight | Full sun to bright indirect light |
| Watering | Regular — keep soil moist; increase in summer |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy to loamy |
| Hardiness Zone | USDA 8-12; cold-hardy palms to zone 7 |
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