Coconut

 

The Coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) belongs to the Arecaceae family, also known as the palm family, which also includes date palms and oil palms. 

Did you know that there are more coconut trees than people? Twelve billion coconut trees generate approximately $12 billion in the worldwide trade in coconut oil, coconut water, desiccated coconut, copra (dried coconut meat), coconut milk, and other by-products like coconut husk and shells. 

One reason coconuts have spread to most coastal areas of South Asia is that they are well-suited for long-distance travel due to their ability to float on water. They can survive for up to 4 to 6 months at sea as the tough outer shell helps protect the seed inside from water and salt, allowing it to remain viable.  Once a coconut washes up on land, it can take root and begin growing into a new coconut palm.

Fun fact: Coconut crabs (Birgus latro), the largest land-dwelling arthropods in the world, found on Indo-Pacific islands, have a penchant for coconut meat and have strong pincer-like claws famous for tearing through the husk of coconuts. These crabs are also known for climbing trees, a rare ability among crabs, which allows them to access fresh coconuts hanging from palm trees, though most scavenge coconuts that fall onto the ground.