Cocos nucifera
Coconut palm
Cocos nucifera, commonly known as the coconut palm, is a versatile tropical plant revered for its medicinal properties. Often called the "tree of life," every part is utilized. From its hydrating water to its nourishing oil, this plant offers significant therapeutic benefits, supporting skin health, nutrition, and holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Cocos nucifera
- Family: Arecaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Arecales and the family Arecaceae, it is classified under the genus Cocos.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Arecales | WCVP |
| Family | Arecaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cocos | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cocos nucifera, is recognized by various names across different languages and regions. In English, it is referred to as a Coconut in Canada (en-ca) and as a coconut tree in Great Britain (en-gb). It is known as a cocotier in French (fr), as U in Acehnese (ace), and as جوز الهند in Arabic (ar).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| fr | cocotier | Wikidata |
| en-ca | Coconut | Wikidata |
| en-gb | coconut tree | Wikidata |
| ace | U | Wikidata |
| ar | جوز الهند | Wikidata |
| az | Kokos palması | Wikidata |
| bcl | Niyog | Wikidata |
| be | Какосавая пальма | Wikidata |
| bg | кокосова палма | Wikidata |
| bi | Kokonas | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Cocos nucifera, exhibits a specific geographical presence across several regions of West Tropical Africa. Within this part of the continent, it can be found growing in the coastal and tropical landscapes of Benin. Its distribution also extends to the nation of Gambia, where environmental conditions support its growth. Furthermore, the plant is documented throughout the territories of Ghana and Guinea-Bissau. Finally, its range reaches into Guinea, rounding out its presence in this West African stretch.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Senegal | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Togo | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Cocos nucifera, is a versatile species where almost every component serves a purpose. The massive leaves, often referred to as a single large leaf frond, are essential for photosynthesis and can be used for various traditional purposes. Surrounding the fruit, the thick husk provides protection, while the extracted husk fiber is highly valued for making ropes and mats. Below the surface, the extensive roots anchor the tree and absorb nutrients from the soil, ensuring the overall health of the coconut palm.- Total parts
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 12
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| husk fiber | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| husk | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| juvenile inflorescence | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| husks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coconut oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| White flesh | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Endocarp | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cocos nucifera has 26 reported phytochemicals identified across 31 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lauric acid, flavonoids, tannins, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, Flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 26
- Scientific sources
- 31
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| lauric acid | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Vitamin C | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| allergens | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| calcium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| capric acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caprylic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cocos nucifera has 23 reported activities identified across 39 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antiplasmodial, Analgesic, Antibacterial.
- Total activities
- 23
- Scientific sources
- 39
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antiplasmodial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiarthritic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cocos nucifera has 55 reported medicinal uses identified across 58 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include malaria, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, American trypanosomiasis, Bacillus cereus.
- Total uses
- 55
- Scientific sources
- 58
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| malaria | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| American trypanosomiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacillus cereus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Chagas' disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cryptosporidiosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Escherichia coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fusobacterium nucleatum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |