Cocos nucifera
COMMON NAME | Coconut palm |
TYPE | Palm |
FAMILY | Arecaceae |
NOTES | Cocos nucifera has
been cultivated and utilized for so long in virtually every tropical location
throughout the world, that its true place of origin is somewhat uncertain.
The most widely accepted location is southern Asia east to the islands of the
central Pacific Ocean. It was introduced to the west coast of northern South
America from the Philippines about 2,250 years ago by Austronesian
people. Few plants on Earth can claim
to have assisted mankind more during its early development. Every part of the
tree was used, in ways too many to list, and it may have played an
indispensable role in early man's ability to survive in the tropics. Because
the seeds can float for long distances in ocean waters, and sprout with rapid
growth in sterile sand on salty shores, it was present in the large numbers
necessary to provide the basics for human existence on otherwise semi-barren
islands. |
GEOGRAPHIC REGION | Pan Tropical |
NATIVE HABITAT | Cocos nucifera grows
in many habitats from areas of human habitation to sandy beaches. |
WEB SOURCES |
