Coconuts are the fruit of the coconut palm, a perennial plant that can grow in tropical and subtropical regions:
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AppearanceCoconuts are drupes, which are fleshy fruits with a hard stone inside. They have a smooth outer layer called the epicarp, a thick fibrous middle layer called the mesocarp, and a hard woody inner layer called the endocarp. The endocarp contains the seed, or nut, which has a hard shell and an oil-rich kernel called the albumen. Coconuts also contain a clear liquid called coconut water.
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SizeCoconuts can be as big as a person’s head and weigh 1–2 kg.
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UsesCoconuts are a major source of food, drink, and raw materials. The meat, or kernel, can be eaten fresh, dried, or processed into coconut milk, cream, or oil. Coconut water is a refreshing drink that can help replenish energy and minerals. The coconut palm itself can be used for many purposes, including coastal stabilization, windbreaks, and handicrafts.
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Coconut palmCoconut palms can grow to be 20–22 meters tall and have a canopy diameter of 8–9 meters. They can produce 50–80 coconuts per year, and can continue to bear fruit for up to 70 years.
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NameThe name “coconut” comes from the Portuguese and Spanish word coco, which means “head” or “skull”. The three grooves on the coconut shell are thought to resemble facial features.
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