Many fruit trees offer value primarily for their produce — food for humans and animals or fodder for poultry. In comparison, the produce of the coconut tree offers a variety of benefits.

The fibrous husk alone offers a surprising range of uses, including making the coconut buoyant. This layer, known as the mesocarp, contains coir fibres and its air pockets make it an effective organic medium for seeds and seedlings. Commonly known as cocopeat, it is sold at plant nurseries and seed stores. Cocopeat is also added to soil for improving nutrients, water retention and aeration.

>From the fibrous husk that becomes a growing medium or a doormat, to the shell carved into bowls and souvenirs, to the leaves that thatch roofs and sweep courtyards, few plants offer as much as the coconut palm

The husk of the coconut is also used to prepare biodegradable foot mats, packing bags, brushes, brooms and ropes. In addition, it can be........

© Dawn (Magazines)