The coconut bought in western shops does not resemble the ones growing on the tree. There are three layers to an unopened coconut. The exocarp is the outermost layer, which is usually smooth and green or yellow in colour. The fibrous husk, or mesocarp, is the next layer. The final one is called the endocarp, and it envelopes the seed. When you buy a coconut at the shop, the exocarp and mesocarp are usually removed, leaving only the endocarp.