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Some scientists say 150 people a year worldwide are killed by falling coconuts, making the coconut one of the most dangerous fruits in the world. It is recommended not to sunbathe under a coconut tree. On the bright side,the Coco palm provides enough nourishment to live off of, the tree also provides natural cures for many ailments, shelter, entertainment and clothes.
A recent study reported 360 contemporary uses for the tree of which half were food, if stranded on a deserted island the coconut palm would provide all ones needs for survival. The more popular uses include coconut water, coconut meat, coconut milk, coconut oil and is used as a major ingredient in many recipes. We make baskets, sandals, and hats, we paint the coconut, we can use the coconut shell as soup and salad bowls, ash trays, women's bra's, tiki huts, and the bark provides fine parchment paper for those special love letters.
The coconut tree provides jobs for local tree trimmers and state employees, and it also supports the tourism industry by selling painted coconut heads and coconut water at most major tourist events.
Although not native to Hawaii as many of us believe, the coconut Palm is a transplant brought to Hawaii approximately 1500 years ago by Polynesian settlers. There is a Philippine proverb I heard through the "coconut wireless" that says it all about the Coco Palm,"He who plants a coconut tree, plants vessels and clothing, food and drink, a habitation for himself, and a heritage for his children."
The next time you eat coconut cream pie, remember the coconut Palm, and that we have it made in the shade of the coconut tree.
