The Coco-de-mer nut (Lodoicea maldivica) is the largest seed in the world, which was first discovered by sailors washed up on tropical beaches or floating in the sea, and so was given its name (coconut of the sea). The nuts take 6 to 7 years to grow to full size.
Lodoicea maldivica, the sole member of the genus Lodoicea, is a palm endemic to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles. The coco-de-mer is the subject of many legends, and is a truly fascinating and provocative tree. There are both male and female trees, and the seeds of both mirroring closely the human sexual organs. It is said that during the night the male and female trees move together to sew their seeds, and anyone who witnesses the act will die.
Until the true source of nut was discovered in 1768, it was believed by many to grow on a mythical tree at the bottom of the sea. European nobles in the sixteenth century would often have the shells of these nuts cleaned and decorated with valuable jewels as collectibles for their private galleries.
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