If the coconut is
not collected by humans or animals, and is carried off
by the tide, the first of its special adaptations comes
into play: the combination of a tough skin and buoyant
husk mean it can survive exposure to salt water for as
long as 2 months in which time it could be carried thousands
of miles by ocean currents. During this time the seed
goes into a period of dormancy and is only ‘activated’ when it comes into
contact with fresh water.
When it is washed ashore in a new location, it is primed
and ready to begin the amazing process which will enable
it to grow into a palm.
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