The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) is thought to be native to the warm climates of Polynesia, Malaysia and southern Asia. The trees bloom and bear fruit throughout the year, growing a new flower spike nearly every month. This then becomes a cluster of six to twelve fruits. Coconuts are the seeds of these fruits, the largest seed known to the world!

'Kalpavriksha', the Sanskrit name for the coconut, means 'tree which gives all that is necessary for living' and, indeed, the possibilities seem endless. In Lush products alone, you can find the water, the flesh and the shell of its seed, as well as the nectar of its flower. We can even use the fibres of its fruits to make some of the wrapping papers!

- Coconut oil is soothing, moisturising and emollient to the skin. It also helps condition and protect the hair.

- Coconut yoghurt, milk and cream are rich in fats and have similar cosmetic properties to the oil, with a naturally tropical scent.

- Coconut wax coats and helps protect the skin and gives products a firm texture.

- Desiccated coconut acts as a gentle exfoliant and releases a soft, milky texture when mixed with water.

- Ground coconut shells provide a natural, more abrasive scrub.