Niu or Cocos nucifera is a common introduced tree.
 


The niu tree
can live up 70 years
and produce 50
fruit a year.

 

The Niu may be the most valuable Polynesian introduced tree to Hawaii. It's tall slender trunk with a cluster of leaf fronds at the top is probably the most recognizable tree in the world. The wide base and ringed trunk (they mark points of attachment of fallen fronds) is very strong and can withstand heavy winds.

Coconuts grow well near the water in sandy soil. The tree continually produces fruit. It takes about 15 months from flower to nut. Young fruit are green with plenty of coconut water which was sometimes the only water source available. As the nut ages it turns yellow and then brown and inside the soft white "spoon" flesh hardens to coconut meat that can be grated.

 
It takes almost 15 months from flower to mature fruit of fibrous husk.
 

The early Polynesians had as many as 35 different uses for the niu; from food to medicine, shelter to transportation. Traditionally a coconut palm was planted at the birthtime of a kama'aina, it would begin to bear fruit in 7 years and go on to do so for another 70-100 years.