Wonder COCO

If I were a tree…Why?

If I were a tree…I’d like to be Coconut Tree (Cocos nucifera). Have you ever wonder what’s unique about this particular plant? What are its edges compared to others? Our national tree Narra is durable which last for centuries and becomes more expensive as becoming old furniture. Mango tree bears fruits which even still unripe, we enjoy. Why not Santol? Not Durian, Lanzones? etc.

There was a story I heard from my fourth-grade teacher about a race among trees. I can’t remember the details anymore except that the ending is Bamboo won but it is not considered as tree because Bamboo is grass, tall grass. It’s a fiction story though, with Bamboo being the protagonist, so the story revolves around it. But if comparison among trees is to be made, I bet coconut will win. I have a reason which dictates why among others, coconut is my bet.

One reason could be that it’s widespread in this tropical country. And in this country with beautiful beaches, it’s incomplete to not to see a coconut tree. It gives the place more idealistic scenery, especially in a hot summer treat.

However, the very reason of which is that every part of this tree can be utilized. From the top part down to its roots, they can be used as primary resources.

I’ll start with its leaves. Coconut tree gives shade that blocks the direct sunlight, especially at noon time. Another, have you tried sheltering under a Nipa roof? Cool! Yeah it’s literally cool. Nipa roofs are made from coconut leaves. Even it’s raining it can still block the raindrops draining it down to the ground. It’s not durable against storms unlike metal roofs, but at least economical to those who can’t afford expensive roofing. Technically, the leaf has two parts. The flat, green one is commonly used to wrap rice, which we Filipinos call “puso”. Broomsticks are made from the collected stick which is found at the center of the leaf.

The fruit. Buko juice is prevalent in the city streets. There are even commercialized ones sold at a bit expensive price. In barrio fiestas, buko salads are present as deserts. In herbal terms, coconut oils are used for some massage therapies. How about the husk? Surely, others won’t throw that one even the technology will offer free vacuum cleaners and electric floor brushes. Simply, most of us really on coconut husk to keep our floors shiny. With a bit application of floor wax and a bit scrubbing, the floor will shine like a diamond.

I’m not an agriculture expert, so at this point I’m uncertain. I don’t know where that alcoholic juice from the tree is secreted. But surely it’s sweet and tasty; excess of drinking makes one drunk. And it’s where the famous lip-licking “Lambanog” came from.

A coconut tree can grow ranging from 12 ft to 50 ft. In an average, they grow 30-35 ft which is taller than other trees but relatively slimmer. Traditional construction of buildings requires woods for basic foundation. Builders prefer coconut wood above any others since it’s formidable yet cheap compared to others. It might not last long but at least, efficient enough as to save money.

Lastly, coconut root is said to be an herb. I just don’t know it works.

I just can’t imagine how amazing it is. Coconut is a wonder tree that none can be compared. But a tree is a tree. I have talked to a planter once knowing that like other trees, it will take long time to fully grow one. It would take 10 years or so before a tree can bear fruits since it’s planted. But in terms of business, the long wait is over when the patience starts to produce income. Especially, there are many ways which can be generated from a coconut tree.