Coconut Palm Flooring

Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera), is also called Indian Palm or Porcupine Wood. It is an exotic species
which comes from the Pacific Islands, including Fiji, the Philippines and South East Asia. There, it is a
very important feature of the natural and cultivated landscape. There are some coconut palm
plantations in Far North Queensland.

In the past, the fruit has been the basis of economic interest. Because of the large numbers of
overmature, unproductive trees, coconut wood has generated considerable interest. Coconut has
no annual growth rings, no rays, no heartwood, no branches and no knots. Its fibrous nature makes
it hard to cut unless green - a quite unusual prospect for woodworkers. It is durable only in dry
conditions.

It can be used for general structural purposes: flooring, window frames, tool handles, furniture,
carving, turnery. Softer material (from higher up the stem) can be used for wall panelling and
internal trim