The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera, is an erect palm in the family Arecaceae which is grown its fruits, used primarily for the extraction of coconut oil for use in cooking. ... The seed is protected by a thick, stony shell, or endocarp, and is partially filled with a liquid known as coconut water.  The coconut palm, Cocos nucifera, is an erect palm in the family Arecaceae which is grown its fruits, used primarily for the extraction of coconut oil for use in cooking. … The seed is protected by a thick, stony shell, or endocarp, and is partially filled with a liquid known as coconut water.