The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family) and the only species of the genus Cocos. source
The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the family Arecaceae (palm family) and the only species of the genus Cocos.
Cocos nucifera is a large palm, growing up to 30 m (98 ft) tall. source
Cocos nucifera is a large palm, growing up to 30 m (98 ft) tall.
Coconuts are generally classified into two general types: tall and dwarf. source
Coconuts are generally classified into two general types: tall and dwarf.
On fertile soil, a tall coconut palm tree can yield up to 75 fruits per year, but more often yields less than 30, mainly due to poor cultural practices. source
On fertile soil, a tall coconut palm tree can yield up to 75 fruits per year, but more often yields less than 30, mainly due to poor cultural practices.
The coconut palms produce their first fruit in six to ten years, taking 15 – 20 years to reach peak production. source
The coconut palms produce their first fruit in six to ten years, taking 15 – 20 years to reach peak production.
The coconut fruit is a drupe, not a true nut. source
The coconut fruit is a drupe, not a true nut.
A full-sized coconut weighs about 1.44 kg (3.2 lb). source
A full-sized coconut weighs about 1.44 kg (3.2 lb).
It takes around 6,000 full-grown coconuts to produce a tonne of copra. source
It takes around 6,000 full-grown coconuts to produce a tonne of copra.
The coconut palm root system consists of an abundance of thin roots that grow outward from the plant near the surface. source
The coconut palm root system consists of an abundance of thin roots that grow outward from the plant near the surface.
Coconut palms continue to produce roots from the base of the stem throughout their lives. source
Coconut palms continue to produce roots from the base of the stem throughout their lives.
One of the earliest mentions of the coconut dates back to the "One Thousand and One Nights" story of Sinbad the Sailor. source
One of the earliest mentions of the coconut dates back to the "One Thousand and One Nights" story of Sinbad the Sailor.
Pigafetta then goes into great detail on how coconut is used and processed by the Filipino natives: source
Pigafetta then goes into great detail on how coconut is used and processed by the Filipino natives:
Coconuts could not reach inland locations without human intervention (to carry seednuts, plant seedlings, etc.). source
Coconuts could not reach inland locations without human intervention (to carry seednuts, plant seedlings, etc.).
Drift models based on wind and ocean currents have shown that coconuts could not have drifted across the Pacific unaided. source
Drift models based on wind and ocean currents have shown that coconuts could not have drifted across the Pacific unaided.
Given that coconuts are ideally suited for inter-island group ocean dispersal, obviously some natural distribution did take place. source
Given that coconuts are ideally suited for inter-island group ocean dispersal, obviously some natural distribution did take place.
The coconut has spread across much of the tropics, probably aided in many cases by seafaring people. source
The coconut has spread across much of the tropics, probably aided in many cases by seafaring people.
Coconut fruit in the wild are light, buoyant, and highly water resistant. source
Coconut fruit in the wild are light, buoyant, and highly water resistant.
Coconut palms require warm conditions for successful growth, and are intolerant of cold weather. source
Coconut palms require warm conditions for successful growth, and are intolerant of cold weather.
Most of the tall mature coconut trees found in Bermuda were shipped to the island as seedlings on the decks of ships. source
Most of the tall mature coconut trees found in Bermuda were shipped to the island as seedlings on the decks of ships.