Copra, or dried coconut flesh, is one of the biggest exports from the Marquesas and provides a living to many of the residents in the islands.  Coconut palms grow extremely well in the group, and the coconut groves provide a constant source of coconuts year-round.  The mature coconuts are collected manually, either by climbing the trees or by using long poles, and then split to remove the kernel.  The white meat is then removed and spread out to dry on covered trestle tables, before it is put into sacks and sold.  The copra is exported primarily to Asia, Europe, and North America, where it is used in various industries, primarily for extracting coconut oil, which is a valuable commodity used in food products, cosmetics, and industrial applications.