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Coconut(Cocos
Nucifera) Our Indigenous Heritage
 The
coconut is mentioned in the very popular traditional Jamaican
saying, ‘Wash off mi heart’, and in the
folk song ‘Unda the coconut tree darlin’,
part of which says:
It
was unda the coconut tree darlin’, it was unda the coconut
tree,
You promise to married to me darlin’, it was unda de
coconut tree.
It
was unda de coconut tree, darlin’, it was unda de coconut
tree,
Twas dere dat you geve your love, darlin’, it was unda
the coconut tree.
Let’s go unda de coconut tree, darlin, let’s go
unda de coconut tree,
Twas dere dat you gave me your love darling, let’s go
unda de coconut tree.
The coconut palm is one of the most useful
trees of the Caribbean and the World. The fruit, which for
many centuries has been grown in Jamaica and other parts of
the Caribbean, has dominated the tropical scene in the 17th
century. Originally researchers were undecided about the original
source of the coconut; some believed it had originated in
tropical America (and now grows in all tropical and subtropical
regions), while others say coconut is of ancient origin.
The coconut was brought to the Caribbean to
supply uncontaminated fresh provisions for sailing ships.
The palm trees were planted in Jamaica, near the sea-coast
and harbour settlements, during the development of the sugar
plantations and in the post emancipation era when coconuts
were planted around cane pieces to supply refreshment at crop
time. It was not until the mid-19th century that the coconut
became the commercial crop that we know today.
 The
indigenous, tall coconut palm has been virtually wiped out
due to disease (lethal yellowing) and has been replaced by
the Malayan Dwarf and the Panama Tall. The coconut palm tree,
because of the wide usage of both the nut and the tree itself,
plays a very significant role in today’s society. Its
products provide food and drink, animal feed, shelter, energy
and can be made into many commercial and industrial products
such as oil for soap, oil for cooking, mats, hats and cosmetics.
The shell is made into jewelry, novelties and decorations.
During the pre and post-emancipation periods, the shell, referred
to as ‘cuppers,’ was used by balmists to produce
suction in the treatment of sores and the roasted meat was
administered in the curing of many skin ailments. In days
gone by (and even today), people living in the rural communities
used the coir fiber from the husk of the outer shell mainly
for agriculture, stuffing of mattresses, and even to polish
their floors until a desired sheen was achieved. The trunks
of the coconut tree were used to manufacture flooring, furniture,
charcoal, and its boughs were used by boys to make bats for
playing cricket.
Coconut water and sometimes its jelly is a
favorite thirst quencher throughout Jamaica, people drink
the water by the ounces. Coconut water is also used in our
folk medicine as it is considered to be good for the bladder
and hypertension. It is also one of the many fruits among
the Revival tables and is used in Kumina rituals. The flesh,
meat and milk of the coconut, indeed plays an important role
in our culture and cuisine. It is also used to make some very
tasty traditional Jamaican sweets such as coconut drops, grater
cake, and gizzada. The milk is used in almost all our dishes,
ranging from stews to soups and the traditional Sunday dinner
‘rice and peas’ is not the same without the white,
rich coconut milk.
References:
Braithwaite, Edward. Development of Creole Society in Jamaica
770-1820. Oxford:
Clarendon Press 1971.
Harris, H. H. “The Natural history of the Coconut”
Jamaica Journal. 44 (1980) p. 61
Senior, Olive. A-Z of Jamaican Heritage. Kingston: Heinemann
Educational books 1983
Child, Reginald. Coconuts. London: Longmans 1964
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