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Coconuts germinating on a beach & bearing fruits
It seems appropriate to consider the Flower & Fruit of the Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) or niu. This is an extremely important plant throughout the Tropics, including Hawaii. It appears that Coconut Palms were introduced to the islands by ancient Polynesians. Coconut Milk or Water (Liquid Endosperm) is rich in minerals and vitamins as well as carbohydrates and oil. Its oils resemble those found in animals, however. Over-consumption of coconut oil can lead to hardening of the arteries so read the labels of processed foods carefully to see what kinds of plant oils have been used. Coconut fibers were used to make twine by Ancient Hawaiians. The Hawaiians evidently grew two types of coconut. One was best for making rope and the other was best for consumption. Hawaiians made a "coconut cream" by mixing the solid Endosperm (meat) with the liquid Endosperm. This cream or grated coconut were added to other dishes (Abbott, 1992). Coconut palms belong to the Arecaceae. This family was formerly known as the Palmae. Members of this family tend to produce Imperfect Flowers.
The Fruit consists of a Fibrous Exocarp and Mesocarp with a Stony Endocarp. Consequently, it is regarded as a fibrous Drupe!!!! This makes me feel like I have been duped!!!!!
 Staminate Flowers from a member of the Arecaceae |
 Carpellate Flowers from a member of the Arecaceae |
 Coconut produces Staminate and Carpellate Flowers on the same Inflorescence. There are more male than female flowers. The female flowers are located at the base of the inflorescence. The Gynoecium is Syncarpous and contains three Carpels. However only one matures and produces a fruit. |
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 Diagram of a Mature Coconut Fruit with the Pericarp labeled. |
 Mature Coconut Fruit with the inner parts of the Seed Labeled |
 Diagram of Coconut Fruits. The Pericarp consists of an Exocarp, a fibrous Mesocarp and a stony Endocarp. The Seed contains the Embryo which is embedded in the fleshy Endopserm which encloses the liquid Endosperm. |
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