The coconut or niu is perhaps the most well recognized and common palm in Hawaii today. Niu was also brought over by the early Polynesian settlers. However, niu has so far been found from pre-human contact pollen samples as naturally occurring only on Laysan (Kauō) and Oʻahu, but was likely found on all or most of the Hawaiian Archipelago.

Early Hawaiians figured out multiple ways to use every part of the coconut tree, from the nutritious fruit to the weave-able leaves. Even the tree trunk can be carved into a large drum called a pahu. The niu has a fragrant flower that acts as a perfume when heated with coconut oil.

2021年5月24日 · In Native Hawaiian culture, niu is considered a kino lau (body form) of the akua (god) Kū. The sacred wai niu (coconut water) is used in many ceremonies and rituals since it is the only water that is not touched by human hands.

Cocos nucifer, niu's scientific and botanical name, is slender and tall, up to 100 feet, with a cluster of leaves at the top of a slightly curved stem or trunk. It has a swollen base which is ringed, making a perfect ladder for the very agile. These steps mark points of attachment of the fallen leaf fronds, which are from 10 to 18 feet long.

Coconut Palm is one of the most useful plants in the world, as Early Hawaiians were able to repurpose almost every part of this tree species. Coconuts provided food and emergency drinking water while oil from the meat was also applied cosmetically to the skin and hair.

Generally, coconuts produce an average of 12 leaves per year, and the age of a tree may be estimated by counting the ring scars and dividing by 12. Stem di-ameter is greatly influenced by vigor of the tree and in recently developed areas in Hawaii trees with a con-spicuous constriction in their upper stems may be seen.

These long-lived palms can live for up to a century. Here in Hawaii, Coconut Palms grow in coastal areas, often close to the ocean’s edge since these palms are salt tolerant and the buoyant fruits can be dispersed by ocean current. This is by far the most common palm species in Hawaii.

2023年7月21日 · Nui Tree Botany: Cocos nucifera (nui or coconut tree) is a species of large palm growing up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall. The nui tree is a monocot (single embryonic leaf), and until about one year of age the leaves remain entire (simple with smooth margins).

The ‘Ulu Co-op team was on-site to learn about the role coconut plays in our food systems, both traditional and modern, and how we might support the revitalization of the Hawaiian coconut industry. This article aims to share what we learned at ʻAha Niu, and explore how ʻUlu trees and Niu trees complement each other in agroforestry systems.

Written by Rachel Laderman. Coconut, one of the most important Hawaiian plants. The coconut, niu, is a uniquely life-giving tree for humans, a mainstay if you live near a tropical coast. It produces the only seed that we can open to drink vital water, eat nourishing nut-meat, and even make healthy oil.