Don't chop down the coconut tree in your yard just yet. The coconut and its most valued product, coconut oil, seems headed for a renaissance of sorts because of new studies regarding one of the coconut oil's components-monolaurin.

The laurin-rich coconut oil, some studies indicate, is very good for the skin as an emollient, is great for salad dressings and is folklorically used for preventing bacterial infections.

How to care for the coconut tree? Nothing much is done actually, just keep the tree free of beetles that eat young coconut leaves. Also the coconut grows better if given salt. Yes, salt! It seems that the coconut needs at least a pound of salt every year for it to grow well. Just place a small amount of salt now and then, on the roots of coconut and let it absorb the salty grains. If properly cared for, the coconut tree can be productive for at least 40 years.

Anyway, if you think the ordinary coconut tree is too tall for you, try buying one that can produce nuts even when it's knee high. This dwarf specie is becoming increasingly popular nowadays and its nut are said to be as good as the traditional ones. Also this specie can be used as an ornamental as well.