The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm tree family (Arecaceae) and the only living species of the genus Cocos. The term “coconut” (or the archaic “cocoanut”) can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit, which botanically is a drupe, not a nut. The name comes from the old Portuguese word coco, meaning “head” or “skull”, after the three indentations on the coconut shell that resemble facial features. They are ubiquitous in coastal tropical regions and are a cultural icon of the tropics.
It is one of the most useful trees in the world and is often referred to as the “tree of life”. It provides food, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine and building materials, among many other uses. The inner flesh of the mature seed, as well as the coconut milk extracted from it, form a regular part of the diets of many people in the tropics and subtropics. Coconuts are distinct from other fruits because their endosperm contains a large quantity of clear liquid, called coconut water or coconut juice. Mature, ripe coconuts can be used as edible seeds, or processed for oil and plant milk from the flesh, charcoal from the hard shell, and coir from the fibrous husk. Dried coconut flesh is called copra, and the oil and milk derived from it are commonly used in cooking – frying in particular – as well as in soaps and cosmetics. Sweet coconut sap can be made into drinks or fermented into palm wine or coconut vinegar. The hard shells, fibrous husks and long pinnate leaves can be used as material to make a variety of products for furnishing and decoration.
The coconut has cultural and religious significance in certain societies, particularly in the Western Pacific Austronesian cultures where it features in the mythologies, songs, and oral traditions. It also had ceremonial importance in pre-colonial animistic religions. It has also acquired religious significance in South Asian cultures, where it is used in Hindu rituals. It forms the basis of wedding and worship rituals in Hinduism. It also plays a central role in the Coconut Religion of Vietnam. The falling nature of their mature fruit has led to preoccupation with death by coconut.
Coconuts were first domesticated by the Austronesian peoples in Island Southeast Asia and were spread during the Neolithic via their seaborne migrations as far east as the Pacific Islands, and as far west as Madagascar and the Comoros. They played a critical role in the long sea voyages of Austronesians by providing a portable source of food and water, as well as providing building materials for Austronesian outrigger boats. Coconuts were also later spread in historic times along the coasts of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans by South Asian, Arab, and European sailors. Coconut populations today can still be divided into two based on these separate introductions – the Pacific coconuts and Indo-Atlantic coconuts, respectively. Coconuts were introduced by Europeans to the Americas only during the colonial era in the Columbian exchange, but there is evidence of a possible pre-Columbian introduction of Pacific coconuts to Panama by Austronesian sailors. The evolutionary origin of the coconut is under dispute, with theories stating that it may have evolved in Asia, South America, or on Pacific islands. Trees grow up to 30 m (100 ft) tall and can yield up to 75 fruits per year, though fewer than 30 is more typical. Plants are intolerant of cold weather and prefer copious precipitation, as well as full sunlight. Many insect pests and diseases affect the species and are a nuisance for commercial production. About 75% of the world’s supply of coconuts is produced by Indonesia, the Philippines, and India combined.
Username: Bongsong Published on 2024-10-07 03:06:44 ID NUMBER: 122412
It's estimated that the world's entire population, 1,000 years ago, was 300,000,000 - about the same number as the United States in 2006. In 1804, eight hundred years after reaching the 300 million mark, the world's population arrived at one billion people for the first time - it then took another century, in 1927, to hit 2 billion. The twentieth century, however, saw the world's population numbers skyrocket; 3 billion in 1959, 4 billion in 1974; 5 billion in 1987, 6 billion in 1998, and then 7 billion by the end of 2011. It was estimated there were 8 Billion(!) of us by the end of 2022. The United Nations estimates the world's population will reach approximately 10 billion by 2100. At this time the world averages around 200,000 births each and every day - the equivalent of one-and-a-half cities the size of Los Angeles being added to the planet every single month! As of this writing China, India, and the United States remain the most populated countries on the planet with India expected to pass up China in 2025...
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In the world of floristry beauty is an everyday thing, but as with most things in life, beauty is often in the eye of the beholder.
Flowers Across Melbourne scoured the globe to find the weirdest flowers in the world so take a seat, grab a drink and get ready to check out 40 flowers that are stranger than fiction.
Posted on February 4, 2015
Flowers That Look Like Something Else
The flower, as a reproductive organ, evolved with one primary purpose in mind – to attract pollinators like insects or birds. This function has driven their astounding evolutionary explosion of distinct colors and shapes, some of which have even come to resemble various recognizable figures, plants or animals. Their stunning colors and biodiversity have attracted another type of creature as well – us.
The Lobster Claw, also known as the False Bird of Paradise and Wild Plantain, is a bold color flower that emerges from clumps of leaves that look like bananas. The captivating reddish flower-like bracts actually hide the plant’s true flowers, which require birds with specialized beaks for pollination. The Lobster Claw can grow up to three and a half feet tall and they bloom several times each year.
Understanding Monkey Spiritual Meaning
In this article, we delve into the profound world of spirituality and explore a fascinating creature’s significance – the monkey. In many cultures worldwide, this playful mammal represents various aspects of life and spiritual growth. From dreams to omen interpretations, we will unwrap the symbolisms linked with our primate friend – the monkey.
Spiritual growth is an inward journey that involves deepening self-awareness, a connection to a higher purpose, and a pursuit of inner peace and enlightenment. Though one might perceive spiritual growth as purely internal, the environment plays an instrumental role in shaping this voyage.
This is one of the off-beat place in Himachal located in the district Mandi about 22 kms from the district headquarters.. This is spiritual place for multiple religions, there are three monasteries, one temple and a gurudwar around the lake..
The history about the lake dates back to roughly around 1200 years.. The lake is also called as Tso Pema named after the Buddhist teacher Padmasambhava.. It had a legendary story which you can find anywhere on internet.. There are few entry points to the lake.. Lake is not maintained well.. There were many sign boards of don't feed fishes, but we could hardly find any fishes near the shore..
This image features a colorful elephant with unique tusks standing in the middle of a circular frame. The elephant's head is tilted slightly to the side, adding an intriguing element to the composition. It appears to be focused on its surroundings, capturing a moment of curiosity and wonder.
