Abstract
The question of the origin of the coconut -whether or not it reached the Pacific coast of Central America through natural means or by human agency-has been debated for over one hundred years. On the basis of our studies of strand plants in general and their dispersal by ocean currents, we feel that a number of points regarding the capacity of the coconut for sea dispersal have been misunderstood. We also find that there are misconceptions concerning the role of ocean currents in disseminating various plant species. We have concluded that the coconut is an endemic of the Indo-Malaysian region. It spread by sea currents (Fig. 1) to many Pacific Island groups preceded a far-ranging distribution by primitive man.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
