How long have coconuts been around? and Stackhousia aspericocca subsp. One-sided inflorescence (W.R.Barker 697) (Rough-nut Stackhousia)

How long have coconuts been around?

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Answer by Alta_mom3boyz
The origin of this plant are the subject of controversy with some authorities claiming it is native to southeast Asia, while others claim its origin is in northwestern South America. Fossil records from New Zealand indicate that small, coconut-like plants grew there as far back 15 million years ago. Even older fossils have been uncovered in Rajasthan & Maharashtra, India. Regardless of its origin, the coconut has spread across much of the tropics, probably aided in many cases by sea-faring peoples. The fruit is light and buoyant and presumably spread significant distances by marine currents: fruits collected from the sea as far north as Norway have been found to be viable (subsequently germinated under the right conditions). In the Hawaiian Islands, the coconut is regarded as a Polynesian introduction, first brought to the Islands by early Polynesian voyagers from their homelands in the South Pacific.

The coconut palm thrives on sandy soils and is highly tolerant of salinity and prefers areas with abundant sunlight and regular rainfall (750 to 2,000 mm annually), which makes colonising shorelines of the tropics relatively straightforward. Coconuts also need high humidity (70–80%+) for optimum growth, which is why they are rarely seen in areas with low humidity (e.g. the Mediterranean), even where temperatures are high enough. They are very hard to establish and grow in dry climates.

The flowers of the coconut palm are polygamomonoecious, with both male and female flowers in the same inflorescence. Flowering occurs continuously, with female flowers producing seeds. Coconut palms are believed to be largely cross-pollinated, although some dwarf varieties are self-pollinating.

inflorescence

Stackhousia aspericocca subsp. One-sided inflorescence (W.R.Barker 697) (Rough-nut Stackhousia)


undescribed subspecies of Stackhousia aspericocca known as the Rough-nut Stackhousia or One-sided Candles (Stackhousia aspericocca subsp. One-sided inflorescence (W.R.Barker 697)) along Harriet Road on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Photographed on 30 October 2012.

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