Coir

Coir (Coconut):-

Botanical Name:- Cocus nucifera

Family:- Palmae or Arecaceae

Introduction:-

> It is a tall palm cultivated cheaply in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. 

> Commercial coir is obtained from the mesocarp of coconut. 

> The fibre is known for its light mass, elasticity, high resistance to sea water and for its insulating capacity.

> Coconuts probably originated somewhere in Indo-Malaya and are one of the most important crops of the tropics. 

> India and Sri Lanka are the top producers since 2001. 

> Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the top producers in India.

> Kerala, popularly known as the God's own country alone accounts for 61% of total coconut production and 85% of total coir products. 

Economic Botany:-

> Coir is used in manufacture of mats, cushion seats, bags, packaging material, water-proof and sound proof boards and thermal insulation. 

> Using coir peat in horticulture also made demand for coir. 

> It is also used for manufacturing ecofriendly horticultural products such as biodegradable planting pots.