What is the scientific name for the coconut palm tree?

The scientific name for the coconut palm tree is Cocos nucifera. It is the only living species in the genus Cocos and belongs to the palm family, Arecaceae.

Carl Linnaeus formally described the species in 1753. The name nucifera combines Latin words meaning “nut-bearing,” while Cocos probably comes from the Portuguese coco, meaning “head” or “skull,” inspired by the three marks on a coconut shell that resemble a face.

Coconut palms likely originated in the Central Indo-Pacific, including parts of Southeast Asia and Melanesia, before humans spread them widely across tropical coastlines. Their floating, durable fruits can survive seawater and germinate after long journeys, helping explain their broad distribution.

Despite its common name, the coconut is not a botanical nut; it is a fibrous, one-seeded drupe. The palm can reach about 30 meters and supplies food, drink, oil, fiber, timber, fuel, and building materials. It is often confused with date palms or oil palms, but those belong to different genera.