The fruit of a tropical palm tree, Cocos nucifera. Coconuts, which contain "milk" but are also a fruit, grow between the palm fronds at the crown of the tree, probably among the oldest and most useful of plants. Dried coconut pulp can be pressed for its oil for use in cooking and soap making. Coconut shells, wood and leaves are used in furniture making, hut walls and roofs, and tools and flooring materials. The tree's roots are ground to make tea.
Coquitos, or baby coconuts, are cultivated in Chile, sold without their husks, having smooth, dark brown shells the size of acorns. The stem end, or base, of the coconut has three spots that form a monkey-like face; coco is Portuguese for "grinning face."
