Coconut tree in Palawan attracts interest for growing branches

A coconut tree in Narra, Palawan caught the interest of a resident for unusually growing branches.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, some of the people who saw the tree believe its coconuts bring luck and the coconut oil harvested from them have healing capabilities.

Muhmin Michael Manting, a botanist, was quick to explain that the tree is just like any other coconut tree and has no special properties other than it possibly has a defect.

"Pinaka obvious o possible na dahilan, damaged po ng apical bud which is responsible for the growth," Manting said.

"May possibility gagagawa siya ng magkabilang branches, possible po it's either lightning strike, or strong winds po. Possible din po is mutation," he added.

The coconut tree (scientific name: Cocos nucifera) belongs to the palm family. Its slender trunk can grow as high as 100 feet.

It has been dubbed as the "Tree of Life" because most of its parts are useful to humans. The coconut can be eaten, the leaves can be made into handicrafts, and the trunk can be used in constructing homes. —MGP, GMA Integrated News