Origin of Coconuts

Coconut Origin

Scientific name : Cocos nucifera

Family: Palmae or Arecaceae

sub family : Arecoideae

Tribe: Cocoeae

Origin: believed to be Western Pacific

Now i will tell you little bit of its history...

The origin of this plant are the subject of controversy .

some authorities claiming it is native to southeast Asia, while others claim its origin is in northwestern South America

Hawaiian Islands, the coconut is regarded as a Polynesian introduction, first brought to the Islands by early Polynesian voyagers from their homelands in the South Pacific.

Fossil coconuts were found in India and New Zealand ..their survival is unbelievable , coconut seeds can germinate even after floating in sea currents for 4 months.

They have spread throughout the tropical world by traveling through ocean and by dispersal by humans

In the 6th century coconut became known to the western world . From Indian ocean it was imported into Egypt .

Marco Polo named the coconut as the "Pharoah's nut" as he traveled through India.

'Coconut ' means .....

The coconut word has been derived from Spanish or Portuguese origin.

Coco, means "spectre, goblin" or "grinning face" or monkey face. There are thre

e holes on the coconut, which makes it appearance resemble an eerie or pop-eyed merry face.

Even though coconut is not a nut it is known as nut instead of fruit.

The species name nucifera means meaning "bearing nuts"....

As of now it is spreaded all over in the tropical world....next time be careful in

Goan or Kerala Beaches while enjoying the shadow under a coconut tree .....

Coconut in Vedas

Coconut in Vedas and ancient texts..

There is evidence that coconut trees were grown in India about 3000 years back and found mentioned in Vedic literature !!

He who plants a coconut tree plants food and drink, vessels and clothing, a heat source, habitation for himself and a heritage for his children.”------ Indian proverb

I wonder that every part of this tree is useful. It represents a completeness in itself.....a perfection given by its creator

In Hindu worship it is symbolically used for offering to god . Before offering it has to be broken. It symbolizes human head and while breaking it is symbolizing breaking of our ego and offering the white kernel inside for purification.

Another belief is that coconut eyes are representing the three eyed HIndu lord Shiva

Another religious use of coconut is with Purna - Kalasha or a metal pot filled with water and topped with coronet of mango leaves and coconut . The Purna-Kalasha is often used in Hindu iconography and considered a symbol of abundance and "source of life" in the vedas .

In this, the coconut symbolizes prosperity and power...

Coconut- The wonder food....

why i have to start writing a blog on this food? yesterday i was so much disturbed. my thoughts were wandering about coconut.......why it is not getting enough importance in its land....

it is my institute's mandate crop.

but...it is not the only reason for my blogging .......the fact is i started loving cocon

ut...it is a tree symbolizing my culture ...my mother... my land...my pure existence......i cannot be separated from it...

Coconut - Kalpavriksha or Tree of heaven and perhaps no other description can give a better explanation

This sacred fruit provides you health, energy, strength, tranquility, longevity, peace......

for every new start we need coconut ..........