Xylocarp and Coconuts #AtoZChallenge2021

My AtoZChallenge theme for 2021 is Novel Research - novel meaning interesting, different, unusual. Most of my posts pertain to topics I have researched in the past. For this year's letter "X" though, I had to do some current research. Definitions for the word xylocarp describe a hard woody pericarp (outer layer) of a fruit, or a hard woody fruit that grows on trees; and the example consistently listed is the coconut: botany, a fruit such as a coconut having a hard woody pericarp (outer layer). A perfect "X" word for me. Sometimes, the stars align rather well

Hawaii is synonymous with coconuts. Every day I drink refreshing and hydrating coconut water, and I  sprinkle coconut flakes into my smoothies.  What is a Pina Colada or Blue Hawaii without cream of coconut or coconut milk? A Lava Flow without coconut rum?  

Lava Flow

A ubiquitous Hawaiian dessert, haupia is a traditional coconut milk-based delicacy often found at luaus and other local gatherings in Hawaii. Over the decades, it has become a popular topping for white cake, especially at weddings. Although considered a pudding, the consistency of haupia resembles a gelatin and is most often served in small blocks.

Visitors to Hawaii enjoy watching locals demonstrate the art of climbing a coconut tree to claim a ripe fruit. I, on the other hand, prefer to find my coconuts in the fruit section of the grocery story or farmer's market.

How does coconut play a role in your diet?

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#AlohaFriday - Hot Hawaiian History

My #AlohaFriday search actually began in 1992, when I first moved to Hawai'i. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island drew me like a magnet. Active since 1986, Kilauea caldera is known as the walk-in volcano, friendly from afar and not-so-far away. Any trip to that island included a visit to Volcano House and Halema'uma'u Crater.

Once I learned the legend of the fire goddess Pele, walked on still-warm lava flow and through a lava tube, and watched glowing lava flow from the Pu'u O'o vent, I was hooked.

The photographs included in James Cave's article are jaw-dropping!

James Cave, a Lifestyle writer for The Huffington Post has a bubbling hot story to tell.
Beautiful Time-Lapse Of Kilauea Volcano Dives Into The ‘Fiery Blood Of Earth’
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/20/kilauea-time-lapse-fire-within-video_n_6914270.html

Some of Gail's Personal "Aloha Volcano Views"

 

Walking to the Lava Tube

Desolate lava field

Entering Lava Tube on Big Island

 

Halemaumau Crater in
Hawai'i Volcano National Park

Middle of Lava Tube VERY DARK