Coconut Palms

Coconut palms are tall trees that grow in warm, tropical places. They have long, thin trunks and big, feathery leaves at the top. Large coconuts hang in bunches high above the ground. People use every part of the coconut palm for food, drink, and other things.

The Coconut Fruit

A coconut is actually a big seed, not a nut. It has a tough brown shell with white meat inside. The middle is filled with sweet coconut water. Coconuts can float on the ocean for months without being damaged. This helps them travel to new islands and grow new trees.

Many Uses

Coconut palms are called the 'tree of life' because they give us so much. The meat and water are tasty to eat and drink. The leaves can be used to make roofs and baskets. The trunk gives us wood for building. Even the shell can be made into bowls and cups.

Fun Facts

• Coconut palms can grow up to 100 feet tall.
• A coconut palm can produce up to 75 coconuts each year.
• Coconut water was used as a drink for hospital patients during World War II.

Did You Know?

Coconuts have traveled across oceans for thousands of miles to grow on new beaches. This is why coconut palms grow on tropical islands all over the world.