Plants display remarkable diversity in their structures and reproductive strategies. Seeds, in particular, exhibit a vast spectrum of sizes, from microscopic dust-like particles to substantial, weighty objects. This range prompts curiosity about the extremes within the plant kingdom, especially concerning which seed holds the record for being the largest.
The Colossal Coco de Mer
The world’s largest seed belongs to the coco de mer palm, scientifically known as Lodoicea maldivica. This seed can reach lengths of up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) and diameters of 50 centimeters (19.7 inches). Individual seeds weigh up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds), with the largest recorded specimen tipping the scales at 25 kilograms (55 pounds). Its distinctive, often bi-lobed shape has earned it nicknames like “double coconut” or “sea coconut,” and its resemblance to human buttocks has contributed to various folklore and legends.
This palm is native to two islands in the Seychelles archipelago: Praslin and Curieuse. The coco de mer palm grows up to 34 meters (110 feet) tall with massive fan-shaped leaves that can extend 6 to 10 meters in length. The fruit containing this seed takes 6 to 7 years to mature on the tree and an additional two years for the seed to germinate once it falls.
Why Seeds Grow So Large
Large seeds provide several biological advantages for plants. A substantial seed contains stored nutrients, offering the developing seedling a robust start. This reserve helps the young plant establish itself, particularly where competition for light and resources is intense. Seedlings from larger seeds can grow taller and faster, allowing them to better compete for sunlight.
Plants producing large seeds invest heavily in fewer offspring, increasing the individual seedling’s chance of survival. Small seeds might be dispersed widely by wind or water, but large seeds depend on gravity or large animals for dispersal. This strategy means fewer seeds are produced, but each is better equipped to overcome early environmental challenges like shade or drought.
Other Notable Large Seeds
While the coco de mer holds the record, many other plants produce large seeds. The coconut (Cocos nucifera) is one example, with some varieties like the Andaman Giant Coconut weighing up to 3.6 kilograms (8 pounds). Though not as heavy as the coco de mer, coconuts are known for their size and ability to float and disperse across oceans.
Another example is the Mora seed, which can weigh around 1 kilogram. The Sausage Tree (Kigelia africana) produces large, woody pods that can weigh up to 12 kilograms, each containing multiple seeds. Even the common avocado pit is considered a large seed relative to the fruit it comes from, showcasing nature’s diverse approaches to plant reproduction.