The coconut palm is known as the “tree of life” because every element of the tree can be used to make something vital to human survival.
If one limited their evaluation of the coconut palm simply to its fruit, they would overlook what makes the coconut tree truly special. The தென்னை மரம் (thenga maram), or coconut tree, is a precious commodity the world over, but especially in the Indo-Pacific, because it can aid a human in survival even if most other necessities of life are absent. It also has the capability to grow in sandy soil high in salinity, despite its limitations in terms of climate to tropical zones. Thanks to its geographical placement, Sri Lanka has become the fourth largest producer of coconuts.
However, Sri Lanka does not limit its utilization of the coconut tree to merely its fruit, although the meat, milk, and oil has become an integral part of Sri Lankan cuisine. The coconut trunk itself can be used for construction, and is popular in both structural and interior design applications thanks to its straightness, strength, and durability. It is also employed in smaller operations such as the manufacture of furniture and utensils.
The coconut flower is an integral element in the creation of the alcoholic drinks toddy and arrack, as the sap from the flower head is collected and fermented. Alternative fermentation can also create coconut vinegar, or sap can be reduced to create a sweet syrup or coconut sugar.
The coconut shell itself has multiple uses, such as for bowls or ladles. The husk, the fibrous cover of the shell, can be processed into coir, fibers which can be spun or used in many products. Longer fibers are extracted using a traditional method known as the “Ceylon drum method,” and are popular for use in making brushes. Spun coir can be used in mats, ropes, and textiles.
The leaves can be woven into anything from baskets and mats to fences and roofs, and can also be used for animal feed. They are also used in traditional decorations, such as a தோரணம், or toranam. The leaf is folded into the shape of a swallow and hung, the direction the swallow is facing indicating whether the venue is celebrating an auspicious occasion or is in mourning.
The coconut tree has a relatively long lifespan, of up to a hundred years. Furthermore, it produces thirty to seventy fruits a year, making it a regular producer and a great investment.