The natural world holds many records, and humanity is fascinated by identifying the largest, oldest, or rarest species. The search for the biggest “nut” leads not to a common backyard tree but to an isolated island chain in the Indian Ocean. The object in question is a record-breaking botanical wonder whose sheer size and unique biology defy expectation.
Identifying the World’s Largest Seed
The title of the world’s largest seed belongs to the Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica), a giant produced by a palm tree found only in the Seychelles archipelago. This seed is immense, reaching a size and mass unlike any other in the plant kingdom. Individual seeds have been recorded to weigh as much as 42 kilograms (92 pounds), though weights of 25 to 30 kilograms are more common.
This massive seed measures up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter and possesses a distinctive, double-lobed structure. Its suggestive shape has led to comparisons with a human pelvis or buttocks, earning it the Creole nickname coco fesse or “bum nut.” The fruit requires six to seven years to fully mature on the female palm.
The Botanical Distinction: Seed or Nut?
While commonly referred to as a “nut,” the Coco de Mer is botanically classified as a seed. A true nut, like a hazelnut or acorn, is a simple, dry fruit that contains one seed and does not open at maturity. The Coco de Mer is the embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering, contained within a large, fibrous fruit.
The term “nut” is used loosely for many seeds with hard shells, which is how this giant seed acquired its misnomer. The plant’s scientific name, Lodoicea maldivica, refers to the former belief that it originated in the Maldives, where the seeds were found washed ashore. Because of the seed’s enormous mass, viable, fresh seeds sink, explaining why the species is naturally confined to its isolated habitat.
Origin and Extraordinary Life Cycle
The Lodoicea maldivica palm is endemic to just two islands in the Seychelles: Praslin and Curieuse. The trees are dioecious, meaning individual palms are exclusively male or female. This separation necessitates cross-pollination to produce the gigantic seeds; male trees produce long, catkin-like inflorescences.
The palm’s life cycle is characterized by extreme slowness, thought to be an adaptation to the islands’ nutrient-poor, granite-based soils. Palms take 20 to 40 years to reach reproductive maturity before they can flower and fruit. Once the mature seed drops, it can take up to two years for germination to begin before the seedling produces its first leaf. This prolonged development reflects the massive energy reserves within the seed, ensuring the seedling’s survival in its restricted habitat.
Rarity, Protection, and Cultural Impact
Due to its limited natural range and slow reproductive rate, the Coco de Mer is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The total population of mature trees is estimated to be around 8,200 individuals. Conservation efforts are strict, and the plant is highly protected by the Seychellois government; permits are required for the possession or export of the seeds.
Before its origin was discovered in 1768, the seeds were a source of myth and mystery, often found floating in the Indian Ocean. Sailors believed they grew in a mythical underwater forest, leading to the name Coco de Mer, meaning “coconut of the sea.” The suggestive shape fueled folklore associating them with fertility, and they were historically prized by European nobility. Today, the palm remains a powerful symbol, featuring prominently on Seychelles’ national coat of arms and currency.