Coconut palm is called the “Tree of Life” as it provides basic necessities for humans. Coconut tree not only provides a source of food and drink but is also used for shelter, fuel and raw materials to make utensils, musical instruments and much more.

Coconut tree is not just gorgeous to look at but also an important sustainable resource, which can often survive hurricanes and tsunamis. Every bit of the coconut tree is used, from the water, the husk, the shell, the flesh, the leaves, the heart, the spathe, the trunk to the roots.

Coconut water is high in vitamins, proteins, ascorbic acid and contains several minerals including potassium, sodium and calcium. It has long been widely used as a beverage and as medicine - an alternative intravenous rehydration fluid. The low sugar content, high nutritional value, minimal processing and many other health benefits, together with the rising needs for substitutes for carbonated drinks by consumers around the world are the major factors boosting the demand for coconut water globally.

Coconut flesh/copra is vitamin-rich that can be eaten raw or cooked, or processed to manufacture other products. Oil extracted from the copra can be used for cooking, prevent hair damage and moisturize the skin.

Coconut husk - the rough exterior of a coconut which is made up of the tough fibers - is used as stuffing to make homemade mattresses. The whole husk is also great to plant with, fuel fires, fertilize soils and make toys.

Coconut shell makes a great charcoal replacement and is also used by artisans to create long-lasting handicrafts.

Coconut leaves are used to weave hats, baskets, mats and make brooms. These are also used for thatching traditional houses and making barbecue skewer, decorations and traditional toys.

Coconut heart is found right underneath the leaves of a coconut tree. It is a delicacy that is on high demand by both locals and visitors in Southern Vietnam.

Coconut spathe is the scope-like structure that encloses the flowers of coconut tree. It can be polished and varnished to make containers. The flowers are used as a broom when dried. When the spathe and flowers are still closed, they can be tapped to release a sap, which is collected and fermented to make coconut toddy - a marvelous palm wine.

Coconut trunk is turned into planks, used to board and partition houses, and also makes great pillars as well.

Coconut root holds medicinal properties which can be used to treat gall bladder, urinary infections, kidney-related diseases, heartburn and eczema.

Since being used as an important source of food, drink, clothing and shelter for thousands of years, coconut tree is truly the “Tree of Life”.