The coco de mer is the largest and heaviest seed in the plant kingdom, an enormous nut weighing up to 25 kilograms that has captivated human imagination for centuries. Its rarity and evocative shape have given rise to a rich history of myths and legends. The nut’s mysterious appearances on distant shores led to speculation about its origins, cementing its status as a prized object long before its parent tree was discovered.
The Endemic Palm and Its Origins
The coco de mer palm, Lodoicea maldivica, is a plant with an exceptionally limited natural range. It grows natively only on two islands in the Seychelles archipelago: Praslin and Curieuse. These granitic islands provide the specific soil and climate conditions required for this unique palm to survive. Efforts are being made to establish small satellite populations on other islands like Cousine and Silhouette to safeguard the species against localized threats.
This palm species is dioecious, meaning individual trees are either male or female. Male palms produce long, catkin-like flowers, while female palms produce the enormous fruits. Pollination is not fully understood but is thought to involve wind and possibly animals like geckos. The life cycle of the palm is slow and extended.
Once pollinated, the fruit takes six to ten years to develop. After the fruit falls, the seed can take up to two years to germinate. The palm then requires another 25 to 30 years of growth before it is mature enough to produce its own fruit. This lengthy reproductive cycle contributes to the palm’s rarity.
Legends and Cultural Significance
For centuries, the origin of the coco de mer was a mystery. The nuts would wash ashore on coasts bordering the Indian Ocean, such as the Maldives and India. Sailors who found these bilobed nuts floating in the sea believed they grew on a mythical tree at the bottom of the ocean. This belief gave the nut its name, coco de mer, which is French for “coconut of the sea.”
These sea-borne nuts were considered rare and powerful, often reserved for royalty and nobility. The nut’s shape, resembling a woman’s pelvic region, led to strong associations with fertility and passion. It was widely believed to be a potent aphrodisiac and to possess healing properties, making it one of the most valuable natural objects in the world.
The nut’s form has made it a subject of artistic fascination and a cultural symbol in its native Seychelles, where it is the national fruit. Its shape is incorporated into art, architecture, and everyday objects, representing the islands’ natural heritage. The legends surrounding the nut, from its oceanic origins to tales of palms mating on stormy nights, are a celebrated part of Seychellois culture.
Modern Value and Conservation
Today, the coco de mer remains one of the most valuable nuts in the world due to its rarity and regulated trade. The high price is a function of its scarcity and the strict conservation laws protecting the species. The palm is listed under Appendix II of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), meaning its trade is carefully controlled to prevent over-exploitation.
To legally sell or export a coco de mer, the nut must be a hollowed-out shell from a mature, fallen fruit and must be accompanied by an official government permit, often featuring a holographic seal. This regulation helps combat poaching, which remains a threat to the wild population. Each legally sold nut is registered, ensuring that it was sourced sustainably without harming the living palms.
The hollowed-out, polished nut is a high-priced collector’s item, while the immature nut has a different local value. The jelly-like flesh of the young coco de mer is considered a regulated delicacy in the Seychelles. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vallée de Mai on Praslin, home to the largest natural forest of these palms.