On our first post-Irma walk at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area on 10/8/2017, Judith Fillipich (Class of 2016) pointed out the sea bean pictured above. Yes, it is a coconut.
Only 1% of all seeds float, and they are called either sea bean or drift seeds. Ocean currents (usually) carry these seeds (and plastics & other detritus, too) great distances and for many years. Sea beans come in all shapes and sizes. Find out why sea beans float and more at the sea bean website, http://seabean.com.
This coconut was sitting amongst a bunch of red mangrove propagules, likely brought to the spot along with the mangrove propagules by the high tides and winds associated with Hurricane Irma. Mangrove propagules are considered to be sea beans, since they float.
Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) are regarded as a category #2 invasive pest plant by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) reportedly due to impacts on sea turtle nesting. The water level in and around the Indian River Lagoon is quite high, so tides may “remove” the coconut that they brought. In any case, this invasive pest plant will be easy for volunteers to handle.
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 