The coconut tree is a versatile tree. Its botanical name is Cocus Nucifera. This tree grows in tropical climates with salty, sandy soil. The water of the young coconut provides a delicious and refreshing drink. We also enjoy the soft kernel of the nut. We extract coconut milk from a matured kernel. Coconut milk is used to make curries. We dry the mature kernel and make copra. The copra provides coconut oil. We polish the hard shell to make spoons, ornaments and dishes. The trunk of the coconut tree gives us hard timber to make furniture and musical instruments. People use the flowers of the coconut tree to make traditional decorations for their homes during festivals and ceremonies. Some people weave the mature branches of the coconut tree to make cadjans and to thatch roof tops. Therefore, we could say that coconut tree is very useful and an important tree.
Ashan Madhuranga,
Grade 9,
Vidyarathna University College, Horana.