The Hanging Coconut Tree

The Hanging Coconut Tree, a photo by B℮n on Flickr.

Photo taken on the Khao beach on Koh Mak - Thailand.

Arecaceae, Palmae or commonly known as the palm tree. These are Coconut Palm trees. The palm family, is a family of flowering plants belonging to the Arecales. There are roughly 202 currently known with almost 4000 species, most of which are restricted to tropical and subtropical. Palms are one of the most well-known and extensively cultivated plant families. In many historical cultures, palms were symbols for such ideas as victory, peace, and fertility. Today, palms remain a popular symbol for the tropics and vacations. Palms first appear in the fossil record around 80 million years ago. The coconut remains floating so palm trees spread easily from island to island. Training schools for pig-tailed macaques still exist both in southern Thailand. Competitions are held each year to find the fastest harvester.