“Coconut botak” isn’t a botanical term for a specific coconut variety, but rather a colloquial term, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia. “Botak” in Malay means “bald” or “hairless.” Therefore, “coconut botak” most commonly refers to:
- A young, tender, green coconut that has been stripped of its outer fibrous husk to reveal the smooth, light-colored inner shell. This is typically done for aesthetic reasons or to make it easier to open for drinking the water. The surface is smooth and “bald” compared to the hairy, mature brown coconut.
- Less commonly, it could refer to a naturally occurring variety that has a less fibrous or smoother outer husk, but this is not a widely recognized distinct botanical type.
