Long-distance dispersal of the coconut palm by migration within the coral atoll ecosystem.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The location of the original home of the coconut palm, Cocos nucifera, and the extent of its natural dispersal are not known. Proponents of a South American origin must explain why it is not indigenous there and why it shows greatest diversity in southern Asia. Conversely, proponents of an Asian origin must explain why there are no Asian Cocoseae and why the closest botanical relative to Cocos is in South America. Both hypotheses share the common problems of how, when, where and in what directions long-distance dispersal occurred.

Hypothesis

These difficulties are resolved by accepting that C. nucifera originated and dispersed by populating emerging islands of the coral atoll ecosystem, where establishment conditions impose high selection pressures for survival. W

SUBMITTER: Harries HC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3936586 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature