Uses of the coconut palm
The coconut tree is called ‘the tree of Heaven’ because all of it is of use to mankind and some of the purposes for which the various parts can be utilized are as follows:
Roots: Astringents, mouth washes, coconut ”coffee”, dyes.
Trunk: Lumber, foot bridges
Leaves: Plaited to make and baskets, thatch for roofs, midribs for brooms and fish traps.
Heart: (Also known as cabbage) makes a tasty salad.
Meat: oil for edible purposes and for manufacture of soap, margarine and cosmetic; ice cream, bakery products, and confectionery.
Water: Refreshing drink
Shell: Fuel, ornament, flour and charcoal for industrial uses.
Shell flour: Base for plastics, gunpowder, cleaning jet engines.
Shell charcoal Bleaching, air conditioning and room deodorizing, industrial gas masks, cigarette filters, gas purification and separation, removal of radioactive contaminants from gases and air in nuclear plants.
Husks: Coir fibre and coir dust, mulch.
Coir fiber: Ropes, mats broom, brushes, mattresses, upholstery.
Coir dust: Plant nurseries, potting.
Given the significance of the coconut industry to the economies of many Caribbean countries, the fruit deserves greater interest.