85 million years ago (Harries 1978). It has been postulated that while the land fragments east of the African continent drifted through the warm ocean to the north of Gondwana, known as the Tethys Sea, the modern coconut species evolved.
What is the origin of the coconut tree?
Modern genetic studies have identified the center of origin of coconuts as being the Central Indo-Pacific, the region between western Southeast Asia and Melanesia, where it shows greatest genetic diversity.
How have coconut trees adapted to the rainforest?
The coconut tree’s general appearance is its main adaptation to the climatic changes of heat and heavy winds. Its large branchless fronds and thin leaves are ideal for the extreme wind conditions. Its trunk and its strong roots, allow the tree to sway without falling.
How did coconuts spread?
It is generally accepted that the coconut originated in India and Sri Lanka and float-distributed itself around the world by riding ocean currents.
How is the coconut adapted?
Coconut contains an outer fibrous layer. So, it has the ability to float on water. This means it can drift in water bodies to dissimilar locations for a long time period. This way coconut is adapted for dispersal by water.
How old is the coconut tree?
The tall variety is commonly planted for commercial purposes. With a life span of 60-80 years, it is considered a “three-generation tree” as it can support a farmer, his children, and his grandchildren. The tree is slow to mature, bearing coconuts in six to 10 years.
Are coconuts male or female?
The coconut is a monoecious plant producing male and female flowers separately on the same tree. There are also palms which produce either completely male or female flowers. The tendency to produce completely male inflorescences is frequently observed when the palm produces the spadix for the first time in its life.
What is special about coconut tree?
Features of Coconut Tree
The coconut palm is a long-lived plant; it has a single trunk, 20-30 metre tall, its bark is smooth and gray, marked by ringed scars left by fallen leaf bases. The tree can live as long as 100 years producing an annual yield of 50 to 100 coconuts.
Why do coconut trees bend?
The long, narrow trunk of a coconut tree has incredibly flexible wood. Instead of the woody rings a “regular” tree produces, palms grow densely packed straw-like structures that have the ability to easily bend under pressure. Their trunk has a structure more closely resembling that of grasses than other trees.
How do coconut survive?
Coconuts can also survive up to 120 days afloat in the sea and then germinate when they are washed up on land. After germination the milky water inside the seed will provide enough moisture to sustain the seedling, even in sandy conditions.
Why are there no coconuts in Hawaii?
While coconuts grow throughout Hawaii — and in tropical locations around the world — the plant didn’t originate here. Instead, coconut plants were first cultivated in two separate places, which makes the coconuts found on islands in the Pacific Ocean different from those found on islands in the Indian Ocean.
How long can coconuts survive at sea?
Coconuts can survive up to 100 days floating in the sea water and germinate when they make landfall, which facilitates the spreading of this species far from where it first developed. Once established in new coastal environments, C. nucifera can colonize the shoreline.
Why is a coconut not a nut?
Coconut classification
Despite having the word “nut” in its name, a coconut is a fruit — not a nut. In fact, a coconut falls under a subcategory known as drupes, which are defined as fruits that have an inner flesh and seed surrounded by a hard shell.
Is coconut having a seed?
Botanically speaking, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, which is a fruit with a hard stony covering enclosing the seed. A seed is the reproductive unit of a flowering plant. From a reproductive point of view, a seed has two basic parts: the embryo root (hypocotyl) and the embryo leaves (epicotyl).
Why does coconut float on water?
Coconut is mostly hollow in the inside. It has something to do with the buoyancy force which is higher when the object on water is empty inside. Buoyancy is higher than the weight of the object thus it floats.
Why do coconuts float?
The seed floats due to an internal air cavity. The coconut’s external husk protects the internal seed from predators and the salt of the ocean. The coconut palm is one of the most successful of the ocean drifter species.
Which came first coconut or coconut tree?
Conclusion: Tree came first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do coconut trees fall?
Coconuts falling from their trees and striking individuals can cause serious injury to the back, neck, shoulders and head, and are occasionally fatal.
Is a coconut tree a tree?
So in short: A coconut tree is a type of palm tree, but not all palm trees are coconut trees. Although there is only one species of palm tree that can bear coconuts (Cocos nucifera), there is a large variety of different coconuts. These varieties can be divided into two main types: Tall: Up to 30 meters (98 ft)
Can you eat coconut flower?
Coconut flower, however, is not that popular a food yet and may only be found very rarely. The texture of the coconut flower is very different from the tender coconut meat and it can be easily sliced into pieces with the help of a kitchen knife.
What is a coconut flower called?
The coconut inflorescence is enclosed in a double sheath or spathe, the whole structure known as a ‘spadix’ which is borne singly in the axil of each leaf. The palm is monoecious, i.e. its inflorescence carries both male and female flowers.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.