Village Life - King Coconuts Photo and Text by Siri
In the tropics coconut is one of the most versatile trees. Perhaps the only part of this tree that has no practical use is the root ball. Wood from the mature trunk is used extensively for furniture making, and construction. The green fronds are a favorite food for the working elephants, and when woven make durable and breathing roofing material for village homes. The fronds of the "king coconut", a variety with gold colored fruits and leaves, in the hands of a craftsmen, make wonderful decorative articles, baskets, fans, sun hats and other products. On a hot afternoon, the water of the young fruits ("kurumba") of the king coconut make wonderfully refreshing drink.

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