The coconut tree grows in all tropical and equatorial areas (more than 80 varieties) and its fruits are probably "the largest gift given to man by nature". It is often named the tree of paradise...

The coconut tree grows mainly near the sea and it causes life for the inhabitants of the areas where it grows. It can measure up to 30 meters in height. It was thus introduced into these islands, after this date.

The endosperm of its nut is a basic food and, once dried (copra), an oil is extracted from it whose many applications and are largely used in cosmetic industry. Its hull is used as fuel and for manufacture of plaits. Clothing is made with fibres woven starting from its palms, and it can be used for roofs; its wood is used as building material: the hollow coconut is used of cup, ladle, or measuring unit.

Omnipresent, the coconut is integral part of the exotic kitchen. Its almond is grated, then the chips are in a hurry in a linen to extract from it a white liquid, the coconut milk, which uses the composition of very many dishes and cocktails. From the sap resulting from the inflorescence of the coconut, one obtains an alcoholic drink (the toddy) and a thick and russet-red sugar (gula melaka) used in confectionery.

The coconut is regarded as an antidote against poison and, associated with certain grasses, has many medicinal properties. A concoction containing nut is effective against mosquitos and relieves itchings, its pulp helps to deal with problems of constipation.