It appears during the formation of the coconut seed and serves as a food reserve for the embryo, a structure that will give rise to a new plant.
The embryo is born from the union of a female sex cell (gamete) with a male one. When this happens, an egg cell is fertilized and, from there, the formation of the endosperm begins, which will serve to nourish the embryo. “This is a characteristic that appeared with angiosperms, as flowering plants are called. They only produce nourishing tissues if there is an embryo, avoiding waste”, says biologist Nanuza Luiza de Menezes, from USP.
As the coconut begins to develop its many layers, like a large container for the seed, the cells of the nutrient substance divide thousands of times. But, contrary to what happens with other fruits, this division not only generates a solid layer (the pulp), but also a liquid. As the coconut seed grows, the pulp becomes thicker, but the water is still there.
full of secrets
The liquid inside the fruit serves as a food reserve for the coconut embryo.
full protection
The husk, composed mainly of fibers, is quite thick and serves to protect the seed.
hidden embryo
The part of the coconut seed that gives rise to a new plant is a structure of less than 1 centimeter, which is next to the white part of the fruit. Upon finding the land, it germinates, creating a new coconut tree.
internal mutation
Gradually, the water turns into the fleshy part of the coconut, which begins to appear about five months after the seed emerges. A year later, all the liquid has already solidified.
nutritious refreshment
Coconut water is rich in sugar and mineral salts, important nutrients to feed the embryo during the germination period.
Waterproof
The outermost part of the shell has a wax that makes it impervious to salt water, allowing the coconut seed to survive even ocean crossings.
ripe fruit
The dark coconut that we find for sale in street markets is the ripe fruit, without the fibrous part of the shell.