Coconut tree optimization technique is a novel optimization algorithm that is motivated by the physical structure of the coconut tree. The search for optima in a feasible region is chosen between a random root and any point in a leaf. Coconut tree optimization is a pseudo meta-heuristic algorithm wherein search of solution is carried out using random as well as gradient movement with a memory stack that contains local optima. Nonlinear optimization problems consisting of equality and inequality constraints were solved using the proposed algorithm. The algorithm is validated for linear and nonlinear optimization problems. The comparative study and analysis were detailed for existing algorithms used in domain-specific physical problems. The algorithm is compared with the genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization by considering standard test functions.