Both questions are closely connected. De Candolle claimed an Asiatic
origin for the whole species, while Cook's studies go to prove that its
original habitat is to be sought in the northern countries of South
America. Numerous [85] varieties are growing in Asia and have as yet not
been observed to occur in America, where the coconut is only of
subordinate importance, being one of many useful plants, and not the
only one relied upon by the natives for their subsistence. If therefore,
De Candolle's opinion is the right one, the question as to whether the
varieties are older or younger than the cultivated forms of the species,
must always remain obscure. But if the proofs of an American origin
should be forthcoming, the possibility, and even the probability that
the varieties are of later date than the beginning of their culture, and
have originated while in this condition must at once be granted. An
important point in the controversy is the manner in which the coconuts
were disseminated from shore to shore, from island to island. De
Candolle, Darwin and most of the European writers claim that the
dispersal was by natural agencies, such as ocean-currents. They point
out that the fibrous rind or husk would keep the fruits afloat, and
uninjured, for many days or even many weeks, while being carried from
one country to another in a manner that would explain their geographic
distribution.
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