The Coconut Odyssey: the Bounteous Possibilities of Th E Tree Life
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The coconut odyssey: the bounteous possibilities of th The coconut odyssey the bounteous possibilities of the tree of life e tree of life Mike Foale Mike Foale current spine width is 7mm. If it needs to be adjusted, modify the width of the coconut shells image, which should wrap from the spine to the front cover e coconut odyssey: the bounteous possibilities of the tree of life e coconut odyssey the bounteous possibilities of the tree of life Mike Foale Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Canberra 2003 e Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) was established in June 1982 by an Act of the Australian Parliament. Its primary mandate is to help identify agricultural problems in developing countries and to commission collaborative research between Australian and developing country researchers in fields where Australia has special competence. Where trade names are used this constitutes neither endorsement of nor discrimination against any product by the Centre. ACIAR MONOGRAPH SERIES is series contains the results of original research supported by ACIAR, or material deemed relevant to ACIAR’s research and development objectives. e series is distributed internationally, with an emphasis on developing countries. © Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, GPO Box 1571, Canberra ACT 2601. http://www.aciar.gov.au email: [email protected] Foale, M. 2003. e coconut odyssey: the bounteous possibilities of the tree of life. ACIAR Monograph No. 101, 132p. ISBN 1 86320 369 9 (printed) ISBN 1 86320 370 2 (online) Editing and design by Clarus Design, Canberra Printed by Brown Prior Anderson, Melbourne Foreword Coconut is a tree of great versatility. the environment. Its publication by I congratulate Mike Foale on his It provides food, drink, clothing ACIAR in 2003 is also noteworthy, efforts in writing this important and shelter, as well as a source of in that ACIAR’s support for coconut publication, and in assembling its income from its products. Coconut research and development in Asia comprehensive set of illustrations. can grow in fragile environments, and the Pacific began in 1983, I commend it to all interested to on coasts and coral atolls where few and was amongst the first areas learn more about the ‘tree of life’. other species survive. In extreme of activity in ACIAR’s portfolio weather, the coconut provides refuge of collaborative research projects. Gabrielle J. Persley and sustenance to coastal and island is support continues today, with Chair, International Coconut communities. e health-promoting a new ACIAR coconut project Support Group properties of coconut are increasingly commencing at the University of being recognised. Yet coconut is too Queensland. often seen as a ‘sunset crop’, with is publication also comes at a time little future, unable to compete in when the International Coconut export markets with palm kernel oil Genetic Resources Network and, more recently, with genetically (COGENT) is determining its modified rapeseed oil. future strategy to ensure the long- is timely publication summarises term conservation of coconut genetic the case for coconut. It describes resources, and their use through a ways in which the full potential of global program of coconut research coconut and its benefits may be and development activities. realised for better health, food and 5 Contents Foreword 5 Preface 13 Chapter 1. e coconut odyssey begins 15 But let us start at the beginning … . 16 Evolution of the coconut . 17 Friendship with a crab . 19 Coconut diversity and the human factor . 20 Completing the equatorial circle . 22 Australia’s coconut story: a remarkable absence in precolonial times . 23 Were Aborigines consumers but not growers? . 24 e scourge of a native rat . 24 Loss of coconut seedlings and older palms . 25 Coping with sea-level rise . 25 Coastal explorers in Australia . 25 Planting by Australian colonists . 26 e coconut redeployed in an ornamental role . 27 What are the environmental limits for the coconut? . 28 Extreme latitude: the coconut seedling as an indoor plant . 30 Can the coconut palm be regarded as a native Australian plant? . 31 Chapter 2. Surprising diversity among coconuts—adaptations to new environments and to human demands 33 How many varieties of coconut are there? . 34 Telling the difference between a Tall and a Dwarf palm . 35 Drought tolerance . 36 Tolerance of low temperature . 37 Tolerance of insect and disease attack . 37 7 e strand posed few biohazards . 38 Diversity among Dwarfs . 38 Diversity among palms introduced into Australia . 40 Exploiting diversity with hybrids . 42 Chapter 3. e life story of a palm: from seed to first fruit 43 Starting with the seed … . 44 e husk hides the very young seedling . 45 e seedling ‘sponges’ from the kernel . 46 Growth of the independent seedling . 47 Flowering begins . 47 What gives the palm crown its great shape? . 48 Crown shape responds to age . 49 Fruiting begins: a competition for resources . 50 Why does the palm on the strand lean towards the water? . 51 Maintaining a grip on the earth . 51 Dwarfs are at greater risk than Talls . 53 Survivors can last (almost) forever . 53 Chapter 4. Taking the plunge: looking after your own palms 55 Latitude and climate might restrict potential . 56 Study the soil and take expert advice . 56 e coconut is ‘building friendly’ . 57 Choosing the best variety for your purpose . 57 Managing the nursery and planting out . 58 Protecting the young palm . ..