Map Endemic achyranthes* ‘äma‘u älula* ‘äwikiwiki bonamia* Clay's Hibiscus* cyperus cyperus sedge eugenia häpu‘u kauila* ko‘oloa‘ula* koa kulu‘ï kupukupu lama loulu palm ma‘o mämaki nänü* ‘ohai (shrub) * ‘ohai (tree) * ‘öhia lehua white hibiscus   Indigenous alahe‘e hinahina ‘ilie‘e ‘ilima kou laua‘e fern naio palapalai pili grass pöhinahina ‘uki‘uki ‘ülei variegated hau   Polynesian Introduced coconut kalo kukui red ginger red ti leaf ti leaf sugar cane ulu   Introduced cotton cup of gold eucalyptus heliconia hibiscus manila palm monstera octopus tree pink tecoma plumbago plumeria tangerine wiliwili     *endangered species

Common Name Coconut Hawaiian Name Niu Scientific Name Cocos nucifera Pictures Keawe Whole Plant Fruits Leaves Location On Campus The Coconut tree can be found by Keawe gym. Natural Habitat Coconut trees are usually found in coastal areas near beaches. They grow at a minimum of 27-30oC and in a humid climate. Cultural Information Trunk, husk, and shells, leaves and fronds were made into food containers, hula drums, fans, children's toys, rods, and other tools. Rope was made out of coconut husk fibers. This plant is Polynesian introduced. Plant Description Roots: Main root is usually 1 cm thick White cream color when young, as it grows, becomes reddish-brown, then dark brown Whitish lumps on main roots Lateral roots branch out Short rootlets grow out from lateral roots Stem: Curved trunk Swollen base which is ringed, strong, and elastic Leaves: 3-5 m long Simple leaf Flowers: Nectar producing Blooms at any time of year Fruit: 25-30 cm long 3 sides Immature fruit is green, mature fruit is brown Thick fibrous husk encasing the hard shell 40 or more coconuts are produced per year Coconut meat inside is edible You can drink the coconut water inside of the shell Pollinators: Cannot self pollinate Pollination by wind Life Cycle/ Reproduction: Grows and bears fruit at 7 years of age Lives up to 100 years of age Propagation/ Cultivation: Plant the whole coconut fruit, top side up Partially cover keep moist Germination occurs in 4-5 months Web Site Links Coconut Project This website shows information on the different parts of the coconut tree and pictures of each part of the tree.  Canoe Plants of Ancient Hawai‘i: NIU This website shows information on the fruit, nectar, and propagation of the coconut tree.  The Coconut Tree- Staff of Life This website shows a legend about the coconut tree and a picture of the coconut tree. References Coconut Project. J. Elfick, Web Manager. 15 October 2002. School Agriculture Projects for the Tropics. 12 March 2003 <http://www.uq.edu.au/_School_Science_Lessons/CoconProj.html> Coconuts: The Tree of Life in the Pacific. Katand Dingo, Web Manager. Hawai‘i School Reports. 5 March 2003 <http://www.hawaiischoolreports.com/food/coconut.htm> Coconut Tree. Elisabeth Benders-Hyde, Web Manager. Blue Planet Biomes. 9 March 2003 <http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/coconut.htm> Niu. Lynton Dove White, Web Manager. Hawaiian Independence. 3 March 2003 <http://www.hawaii-nation.org/canoe/niu.html> Scott, Susan. Plants and Animals of Hawai‘i. United States of America: Bess Press, 1991. Sohmer, S.H., and R. Gustafson. Plants and Flowers of Hawai‘i. North America: University of Hawai‘i Press, 1953. Return to Top

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