The coco de mer, scientifically known as Lodoicea maldivica, is a botanical marvel found exclusively in the Seychelles archipelago. This palm tree produces the world’s largest and heaviest seed, weighing up to 30 kilograms. Its rarity has long captivated explorers and scientists. The coco de mer holds deep cultural significance for the Seychelles, serving as a national symbol and representing the nation’s distinct natural heritage.
Myths and Legends of the Sea Coconut
For centuries, the coco de mer was shrouded in mystery, leading to numerous myths and legends about its origin. Early sailors discovered its large, distinctive seeds washing ashore in the Indian Ocean, far from any known land. They believed the seeds grew from a mythical tree at the bottom of the sea, giving rise to its common name, “coconut of the sea,” or “coco de mer.” The striking bi-lobed shape of the seed, which resembles a woman’s pelvis or buttocks, fueled its mystique. This unique form led to its association with fertility, love, and nicknames like the “love nut.” Historically, the coco de mer was prized by royalty and wealthy collectors, who believed it possessed aphrodisiac and medicinal powers. In some cultures, these rare nuts were repurposed as ceremonial bowls, symbolizing purity and prosperity.
The Biology of the Coco de Mer Palm
The coco de mer palm, Lodoicea maldivica, is a dioecious species, meaning individual trees are either male or female. Male trees produce elongated, cylindrical catkins, while female trees bear the distinctive, bi-lobed fruits. This requires both male and female trees for successful pollination and fruit development. The coco de mer’s life cycle is slow, contributing to its rarity. Once pollinated, the fruit takes six to seven years to mature on the tree. After falling, the seed can take up to two years to germinate. This extended maturation and germination period means the trees live for hundreds of years. These palms are native only to two islands in the Seychelles: Praslin and Curieuse. A significant population thrives within the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to the conservation of this species. The specific environmental conditions of these islands are necessary for the palm’s growth, making its natural habitat fragile and limited.
Conservation and Legal Trade
Due to its limited habitat, slow growth rate, and historical overexploitation, the coco de mer is classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Threats to its survival include habitat destruction, illegal harvesting, and poaching of its seeds. Protecting this species is a priority for the Seychelles government and various conservation organizations. Strict regulations govern the sale and export of coco de mer nuts to ensure their preservation. To legally purchase a coco de mer, it must be a hollowed-out nut, as exporting a whole, viable seed is prohibited. These nuts must be acquired from a licensed vendor in the Seychelles and accompanied by an official, numbered government permit. This permit, often featuring a hologram, serves as proof of legal acquisition and allows for its export.