From the island of Cape Verde, the coconut tree (cocos nucifera L.) was introduced to Brazil by the Portuguese in the 16th century. However, it appears that this plant is originally from India but was brought by navigators and cultivated on African soil.

Some say that the coconut tree (cocos nucifera L.) is native to India, and others that it came from the island of Cape Verde. In any case, the plant was brought by navigators and cultivated on African soil, and is now found in practically every country with a tropical climate.