The coconut palm; or Cocos nucifera; is valued not just for its beauty; but also as a lucrative cash crop. Cultivated throughout the South Seas and Indian Ocean regions; it provides food; drink; shelter; transport; fuel; medicine; and even clothing for millions of people.

The coconut palm lives for around 60 years; and produces around 70-80 nuts annually. The trees are sometimes 40-50 meters (130-160 feet) high.