Facts About Coconut Trees
Coconut palm trees often symbolize paradise. Aside from looking beautiful, it is a rare plant that offers many uses from the top to bottom--from food to drink to shelter to cosmetic purposes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Origin
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The origin of the plant is debatable. Evidence has been found in South East Asia, South America and New Zealand.
Features
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They grow from sandy soils and an abundant amount of sun and rain. Often they are found near the ocean and sustainable to the excessive salt in the air. For optimum growth they also need to be in a highly humid environment.
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Plant Family
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Coconut trees belong to the plant family known as Arecaceae and are the only species of the genus Cocos. They can grow up to 30 meters high.
Fun Fact
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Coconuts are the seeds of the coconut palm tree and considered a type of nut. The "meat" of the coconut is high in protein; whereas the milk is refreshing, light and low in sugar. Aside from their culinary purposes, they are also used for cosmetic purposes and as a mosquito repellent (burning the husk).
Roots
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Most plants have tap roots. However, the coconut tree has a fibrous root system. The tree gains the nutrition from thin branching roots growing from the stem.
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