The Coconut Tree: History, Health Benefits, and Uses – By Nadeeka – eLanka History of the Coconut Tree The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is often called the “Tree of Life” due to its extensive utility, which has been recognized for thousands of years. The exact origin of the coconut is still a subject of debate among historians and botanists. However, it is generally believed that the coconut originated in the region spanning from Southeast Asia to the Pacific Islands. Fossil records suggest that coconuts have been around for over 15 million years. The coconut spread across the world through natural means—coconuts can float and are resistant to saltwater, allowing them to travel across oceans—and human migration. Early explorers and traders took coconuts with them, planting them in coastal regions. By the time Europeans arrived in the tropics, coconuts were already a staple in the diets and cultures of many indigenous ...

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