Seeds are tiny packages containing the genetic blueprint and initial nourishment for a new plant. They exhibit diversity in size, shape, and dispersal mechanisms. From microscopic specks to substantial kernels, seeds are fundamental for plant reproduction and sustaining life on Earth.
The World’s Largest Seed
The fruit containing the world’s largest seed is produced by the Coco de Mer palm, scientifically known as Lodoicea maldivica. This palm is found exclusively on two islands in the Seychelles archipelago: Praslin and Curieuse. The Coco de Mer fruit is large, weighing between 15 to 30 kilograms, sometimes exceeding 40 kilograms. It can measure up to 50 centimeters in diameter and often takes six to seven years to mature.
Within this fruit lies the single seed, which holds the record as the largest and heaviest in the plant kingdom. A Coco de Mer seed can weigh up to 25 kilograms and reach lengths of about 30 to 50 centimeters. Its distinctive bi-lobed shape, resembling human buttocks, has earned it nicknames like “love nut” or “double coconut.” This dark brown seed reflects the adaptations of its secluded island environment.
Why So Big? The Evolutionary Tale
The immense size of the Coco de Mer seed is a result of evolutionary adaptations to its isolated island habitat in the Seychelles. These palms grow in an environment characterized by nutrient-poor soil, lacking in phosphorus and nitrogen. To overcome these limitations, the Coco de Mer has evolved a “parental care” system.
Its large, fan-shaped leaves, which can be over 6 meters long, funnel rainwater directly down to the base of the trunk. This funneling action also directs organic matter, such as pollen and animal waste, to the base of the tree, enriching the soil immediately around it. The energy reserves within the large seed provide the seedling a head start, allowing it to establish itself in this challenging environment.
Unlike many seeds that rely on dispersal by animals or water, the Coco de Mer seed is too heavy to float when fertile and falls close to the parent tree, where it can access the localized nutrient-rich soil. This strategy allows the new plant to grow slowly, taking decades to mature and bear fruit.
Other Fruits with Impressive Seeds
While the Coco de Mer holds the record, other fruits are notable for their large seeds. The avocado, for instance, contains a single, sizable pit that can be 5 to 6.4 centimeters long, making up a significant portion of the fruit’s volume.
Another common fruit with a large seed is the mango. Each mango fruit contains one large, flat seed encased in a fibrous husk. Dates also contain a single, oblong seed, weighing between 0.5 to 4 grams, representing a notable percentage of the fruit’s total weight. These seeds, though often discarded, contain beneficial compounds.