The sea coconut, or coco de mer, grows naturally on specific islands within the Seychelles archipelago.
Natural Habitat of the Sea Coconut
The sea coconut, scientifically known as Lodoicea maldivica, is a unique species of palm. It is also commonly referred to as coco de mer or double coconut. This fascinating plant is not found growing wild in many places.
According to the provided reference, Lodoicea maldivica, which is the sole species within the Lodoicea genus, is endemic to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles. This means that it grows naturally only in these specific locations.
Key Growing Locations
- Praslin Island: Home to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a primary habitat for the sea coconut.
- Curieuse Island: Another island in the Seychelles where the sea coconut grows natively.
These islands provide the specific environmental conditions required for the Lodoicea maldivica palm to thrive. The tree is also notable for producing the largest seed in the plant kingdom.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Primary Natural Habitat | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Coconut | Lodoicea maldivica | Islands of Praslin & Curieuse | Seychelles |
| Coco de Mer | Lodoicea maldivica | Islands of Praslin & Curieuse | Seychelles |
While the sea coconut may be cultivated elsewhere, its natural, wild distribution is confined exclusively to these two islands in the Seychelles.
