There is sandy and salty soil near the sea shore, it is better for coconut trees.
In the southern states, coconut trees can be seen far along the seashore. Tall coconut trees are seen leaning towards the sea. In such a situation, the question arises that why coconut trees are mostly seen on the sea shore. Why not in a hilly area or in the middle of the city? There is not one but many reasons behind this,
The biggest reason for coconut tree growing on the seashore is its seed. The hard shell of coconut helps it float in water. Whenever a coconut falls down, the ocean waves carry it away and it reaches hundreds and thousands of kilometers away. When it reaches the shore, it sprouts and becomes a new tree.
In the language of science it is called hydrochory. When the seed spreads through water and a tree develops from it. This is the hydrocory process. Interestingly, the fruit does not rot even after floating for hundreds of kilometers. This is the reason why coconut trees are found on the sea coast of every tropical country in the world.
Karnataka is at the forefront in coconut production. Photo: Pexels
Sunshine on the sea shore is also a big reason
There is sandy and salty soil on the sea shore. This is better for coconut trees and the sunlight received on the shore is considered better for the growth of the tree. The leaves of the plant are like solar panels. The more sunlight it receives, the more benefit the plant gets. These increase.
Interestingly, coconut trees do not require very fertile soil. The sandy soil of the sea shore keeps its roots moist. Its roots do not need soil where much water accumulates. These trees are able to obtain water from the ground, so they only need soil to provide moisture and nutrition.
Not only this, the soil brought to the shore by sea waves contains many types of nutrients which improve the growth of coconut trees.
Neither lack of moisture nor water
Being on the sea shore, the moist air here reaches the trees. Water reaches us through waves and deep roots also draw water. Due to which their water needs are easily fulfilled.
Due to phototropism, these trees bend towards light.
So we bow to the sea
The trunks of most trees bend away from the wind i.e. in the opposite direction of the wind. But the coconut tree bends towards the wind. Due to phototropism, these trees bend towards light. This is the reason why coconut trees get maximum open sky and light from the sea side and remain inclined towards this side.
The high wall of coconut trees along the seashore protects the coastal forests from the strong winds of hurricanes and tropical cyclones. This means that these trees are not only strong themselves, but also protect the environment.
Coconut water. Photo: Pexels
Can it be grown only on the sea shore?
No, it is not that it can be grown only on the sea shore. The first thing is that it is grown only in coastal areas. It can be grown in another humid place, but there coco peat is kept near the roots so that the moisture remains intact. Which is found in coconut plantations in the areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
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