Originating in the Indo-Pacific and settling across most tropical shores. This tree's fruit, encased in a hard shell, is recognized globally, not just for its refreshing water and flavorful flesh but also for its myriad applications. The meat inside, when dried, is called copra and is a primary source of coconut oil, which has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and heart-health benefits. Has also been used for creating items like coir (the fibrous husk of the coconut), utilized in ropes, mats, and brushes. The leading producers of coconut include Indonesia, the Philippines, and India. The coconut takes about a year to mature. Around the five-month stage, you can drink the water (coconut juice) and eat the soft meat of the coconut, which is often sold fresh by street vendors in Latin America. Heading towards Santa Marta, Colombia from Barranquilla a couple of miles from the Alberto Pumarejo bridge there are dozens of vendors along the highway selling coconuts. The coconut tree is common along the north coast of Colombia and is used to make coconut rice a popular side-dish with fried fish. Coconut milk with lime makes an excellent juice. Photographed in Colombia.