History & Lore

   The coconut is believed to have originated in southern Asia and the Malay Archipelago, and its buoyant and waterproof shell has enabled it to travel throughout the tropics, landing on small islands and low shores to become an extremely useful and versatile plant. In the tropical world, coconuts have been utilized fully: the wood of the tree is used to build houses and make furniture, the leaves to thatch dwellings and make fences, the oil extracted from the dry nut, the shell made into plates, bowls and spoons, and of course, the flesh, to be eaten.