12 COCONUTS, KERNELS, AND CACAO. 



river valleys. It is in such situations and on such soils 

 that the coconut palm is most commonly found to 

 flourish, but it can be grown inland, especially by the 

 banks of a tidal river, the ebb and flow causing ideal 

 conditions. The principal products derived from the 

 coconut palm are : Coconuts, copra (the dried kernel 

 of the nut from which coconut oil is expressed), desiccated 

 coconut (prepared from the fresh kernel, and largely used 

 for confectionery purposes), and coir fibre, which is 

 prepared from the husk of the fruit. 



In tropical countries where the coconut palm is grown, 

 nearly every part of the tree is utilised by the natives. 

 The roots are used as an astringent in native medicine, 

 and are sometimes chewed as a substitute for betel or 

 areca nuts, sometimes interwoven with fibres to form 

 baskets. The trunk, which, when mature, develops a 

 very hard outer shell, is used to form rafters and pillars 

 of native buildings. The inner portion of the trunk 

 is too soft to be of value as timber, but the outer portion 

 is capable of taking a fine polish, and is sometimes used 

 in this country in marquetry work and cabinet-making. 

 From its peculiar markings, consisting of ebony-like 

 streaks or short lines irregularly disposed over a reddish- 

 brown ground, it is known as " porcupine wood." The 

 leaf -bud or " cabbage " is much appreciated as a vege- 

 table or salad by both natives and Europeans, but to 

 obtain it, or to tap the palm for wine the tree has to be 

 sacrificed. (Planters need, therefore, to keep a sharp 

 look out.) The fully grown leaves are put to numerous 

 uses ; they are formed into mats, baskets, roof -coverings 

 for native huts (ataps or codjans), fences, articles of 

 clothing, and ornaments. The petioles or leaf -stalks are 



