Report compiled for the 2007 Paris International Agricultural Fair
All you need to know about coconut
What you need to know
Coconut is a large palm of the family Arecaceae.
It is a tropical plant that fruits all year round.
It is grown on all types of soil, sometimes on very poor soils on which other crops will not grow.
There are Tall, Dwarf and hybrid coconut varieties.
Coconut is of vital importance for millions of growers, who make a small income from their planting.
It is one of the oldest crops, and has many uses. It is a choice food, but is also used for its oil, fronds, stem, etc.
Coconut palms have many enemies, notably lethal yellowing disease.