Family: Arecaceae

Like a swiss army knife of plants, the coconut tree has nearly countless uses, from its fronds to its roots. It has a rich history of use dating back four millennia. The coconut tree was first introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians and worldwide by Austronesian sailors and later European colonists. Thus, coconuts have an impressive lineage. DNA suggests they were brought into cultivation in 2 main areas; the Pacific Basin and the Indian Ocean basin.

A typical tree in warm, humid places, the coconut tree is a symbol of the tropics. They quickly establish and naturalize along the ocean’s shores partly due to their ability to float in the sea for months and still germinate. As a result, they are the perfect tree to prevent erosion along the beach. Coconuts thrive even with salt spray, floods, and hurricanes. They are highly adaptable plants, tolerating soil inland and sand near the shore. Coconuts thrive even with salt spray, floods, and hurricanes.

They do best below 1000ft in elevation but can grow in areas up to 3000ft.

Plant Uses:

• Cultural significance
• Edible
• Erosion control
• Medicinal
• Ornamental
• Specimen
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers