Coir rope. Coir is a coarse fibre derived from tissue surrounding coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) seeds. The tissue fibres form a strong water- resistant mesh which protects the seed from mechanical damage. The fibre for rope is obtained from immature coconuts, which contain white fibres. White coir is used to make mats, baskets and sound-proofing material. Thin ropes are woven together to make thick rope which is used in shipping. Photographed in Mararikulam, Kerala, India.