The Tree of Life

The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resemble the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing".

The Sanskrit name for coconut is kalpa vriksha, which means "the tree that provides all the necessities of life."

Almost every part of the coconut palm has some use. The coconut water (coconut milk) that fills the space in the center of the coconut can be used as a drink. The white flesh (endosperm) can be eaten fresh, or is used in a variety of dishes. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness.

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content.

The coconut palm is so highly valued by Asian and Pacific populations as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life".

Scientific name	Cocos nucifera L.
Common Names	Coconut, Coconut palm, Coco
Dutch	Kokosnoot, Kokospalm, Kokosboom
French	Palmier de coco, Noix de coco
Spanish	Palmera de coco
German	Kokospalme
Italian	Noce di cocco
Distribution	Wet tropics. All tropical regions of the world, between latitudes 20 degrees North and South of the equater.