Difference between revisions of "Cocos nucifera"
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Revision as of 00:06, 15 July 2009
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Habitat and Distribution
Cocos nucifera has been cultivated and utilized for so long in virtually every tropical location throughout the world, that it's true place of origin is a topic for speculation. The most widely accepted location is undoubtedly the islands of the South Pacific.
Description
As the trademark of the tropics, and a toy of the tradewinds, the revered Coconut needs no introduction or description. It may be the most photographed tree in the world, and is certainly the palm recognized above all others. Despite its solo status in this monotypic genus, it has countless variations, but is always easily identified by everyone the world over as the Coconut Palm. Propagation is by seed (the fruit).
Culture
While truly tropical in nature, the Coconut has been tried and coddled in many climates due to it's popularity and availablity. Many tales, bordering on folklore, exist as to the extent it's accepted boundaries have been pushed. While some of these are true, and a few Coconut Palms exist outside of the tropics, it has proven to be more a "labor of love" than a "claim to fame."
An analysis of recognized "Coconut Palms" at the fringe level of range must start with the "Newport Beach, California Coconut", which was planted in the early 1980's. While stunted, it survives through winter and has launched many Californian's and other's to extend the range more dramatically. This palm exists at Latitude 33 degrees and 37 minutes North. Other places of interest for promulgation in the Northern Hemisphere include Greece and Southern Spain.
In the Southern Hemisphere, documented Coconut Palms exist at Port Elizabeth, SA at 33 degrees and 57 minutes South. Additionally, stunted Coconut Palms have been observed in Northern New Zealand, which were promulgated naturally, at 35 degrees South. Obviously, the Southern Hemishere trumps the Northern Hemishere at this time.
Fringe area's for Coconut Palms in other area's include Florida at St. Augustine(just under 30 degrees North, South Texas to around 27 degrees North, Perth, Australia at around 32 degrees South. In South Florida Coconut Palms become ubiquitous from approximately 27 degrees North to the Florida Keys, particularly on the Gulf and Atlantic Coast.
Curiosities
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.