The Coconut: Phylogeny, Biogeography, Cultivation and Spread comprehensively covers the botany, phylogeny, origins, and spread of the coconut tree which is primarily known for its use in oil, fiber, and as food, including its tender nut water. Until the 1950's, coconut oil ranked first in the world in production and International trade among all the vegetable oils. Since then, cheaper sources, such as the African oil palm, soybean, canola, and others have overtaken the coconut in oil production and trade. . As the coconut, Cocos nucifera (Arecaceae), is a dominant part of the littoral vegetation across the topics, this book includes coverage of its impact in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries, along with applications in non-food use.