It needs so much sunlight, it evolved to soar above competing canopy, fronds stretching out like solar panels. See how else it adapted to space, sand and sea.

It does not have the same capacity as some endemic species to put down deep roots ... for every tree that is cut down," said Pilet. The effects of the disease on Guadeloupe's coconut palms ...

He told CNA that coconut tree roots prevent beach erosion and have significant carbon absorption capacity. Hung said each coconut tree can absorb nearly 25 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually.