Lodoicea maldivica: A comprehensive Growing Guide for Enthusiasts & Collectors.
Lodoicea maldivica
1. Introduction
Habitat and Distribution
Lodoicea maldivica is endemic to the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean, naturally occurring only on two islands: Praslin (primarily in the Vallée de Mai) and Curieuse. The total wild population occupies less than 20 square kilometers. This remarkable palm grows on ancient granitic soils in valleys and lower slopes up to 300 meters elevation, with the densest populations in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallée de Mai.
The climate is tropical with 2,000-3,500mm annual rainfall, high year-round humidity (80%+), and temperatures ranging from 24-32°C. Despite the species name "maldivica," it has never occurred naturally in the Maldives—early botanists mistakenly thought the ocean-dispersed seeds originated there.
Native Continent
👑 Endemic Distribution:
- Praslin Island: Vallée de Mai - Primary habitat
- Curieuse Island: Secondary population
- Total Area: Less than 20 km²
- UNESCO World Heritage: Vallée de Mai
- Wild Population: ~8,000 mature trees
- IUCN Status: Endangered (EN)
- CITES Protection: Appendix III
Endemic range: Praslin & Curieuse Islands, Seychelles
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Scientific Classification
Synonyms
- Lodoicea callipyge Comm. ex J.St.Hil.
- Lodoicea sechellarum Labill.
- Cocos maldivica J.F.Gmel. (basionym)
- Cocos maritima Comm. ex H.Wendl.
- Borassus sonneratii Giseke
Common Names
- International: Coco de Mer ("coconut of the sea")
- English: Double coconut, Sea coconut, Love nut (due to suggestive shape), Seychelles nut
- French: Coco fesse ("buttocks coconut")
- Tamil: கடல் தேங்காய் ("kadal thengai")
- Chinese: 海椰子 ("hǎi yēzi")
Global Expansion
- Protected by CITES Appendix III and Seychelles law
- All seeds require government permits for export
- Seeds cost $300-600+ each (with permits)
- Export is strictly controlled, with fewer than 1,000 seeds legally exported annually
- IUCN Red List status: Endangered
2. Biology and Physiology
Morphology
Trunk
L. maldivica develops a solitary, columnar trunk reaching 25-34 meters in height with a diameter of 30-50cm at the base, tapering slightly toward the crown. The trunk is marked with prominent, closely spaced ring scars. Unusually, the base is often bulbous and may be supported by a cone of aerial roots in mature specimens. The trunk's growth rate is extraordinarily slow, adding only 2-5cm in height annually after establishment.
Leaves
The crown consists of 20-30 enormous fan-shaped leaves, among the largest in the palm family. Mature leaves measure 4-6 meters across and 7-10 meters long including the petiole, with a leaf area up to 14 square meters. The petiole alone is 2-4 meters long with sharp, saw-toothed edges. Leaves are costapalmate, deeply divided into stiff segments, bright green and glossy above, paler below.
New leaves emerge vertically and take 1-2 years to fully expand. Dead leaves persist for years, forming a characteristic "skirt" below the crown.
Root System
The root system is remarkably shallow for such a large palm, with a dense mat of roots extending horizontally up to 20 meters but rarely penetrating deeper than 1.5 meters. Specialized "breathing roots" (pneumatophores) may develop in waterlogged conditions.
Flower Systems
L. maldivica is strictly dioecious with the most extreme sexual dimorphism in the palm family. Male trees produce catkin-like inflorescences 1-2 meters long, emerging from the leaf axils and persisting for 8-10 years while continuously producing pollen. Female inflorescences are much shorter (30-50cm), bearing 3-9 flowers that develop into the massive fruits.
First flowering occurs at 20-40 years for males, 40-60 years for females. The flowers are pollinated by wind, rain wash, and possibly by endemic geckos and slugs.
Life Cycle
L. maldivica has one of the longest life cycles in the plant kingdom:
- Germination (0-12 months): Extremely slow process
- Seedling Phase (1-15 years): Subterranean growth
- Juvenile Phase (15-50 years): Slow trunk development
- Adult Phase (50-500+ years): Reproductive maturity
- Longevity: Estimated 800-1,500 years for females
The extended juvenile period is unique among palms.
Climate Adaptations
Specific Adaptations to Climate Conditions
- Giant Seeds: Nutrient reserves for shade establishment
- Shallow Roots: Adaptation to thin soils over granite
- Massive Leaves: Maximum light capture in forest understory
- Slow Growth: Energy conservation strategy
- Persistent Reproductive Structures: Continuous reproduction
- Bilobed Seed Shape: Stability on forest floor
3. Reproduction and Propagation
Seed Reproduction
Seed Morphology and Diversity
L. maldivica produces the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. The fruit is a large drupe, 40-50cm long, weighing 15-30kg when fresh. It contains usually one (rarely 2-4) bilobed seed famously resembling human buttocks. The fibrous husk (epicarp and mesocarp) is 4-5cm thick. The seed itself weighs 10-25kg, measuring 25-30cm across.
The endosperm is initially gelatinous, becoming hard and hollow with age. Fresh seeds contain up to 5 liters of jelly-like endosperm. Significant variation exists in seed size and shape, with some populations producing more rounded forms.
Detailed Seed Collection and Viability Testing
- Strictly controlled by Seychelles government
- Permits required for any collection
- Only fallen seeds may be collected
- Each seed individually tagged and registered
- Fresh seeds: Near 100% viability
- Viability period: 3-5 months maximum
- Float test ineffective (all float when hollow)
- Visual inspection of soft tissue essential
- No long-term storage possible
Pre-germination Treatments
- Essential for germination
- Laborious process (2-4 hours per seed)
- Traditionally done by filing
- Machete or saw required
- Hilum (germination point) must face upward
- Incorrect positioning fatal
- Seed must be stable
- Half-buried in medium
- Scarification harmful
- Hormones ineffective
- Temperature critical
- Moisture constant
Step-by-step Germination Techniques
- Container: Minimum 60cm deep, 50cm wide
- Medium: 50% coarse sand, 30% coconut coir, 20% granite chips
- Planting: Position horizontally, hilum up, half-exposed
- Temperature: Constant 28-32°C (82-90°F)
- Humidity: 85-95% essential
- Light: Deep shade (90%+)
- Duration: Patience required!
Germination Difficulty
- Seed availability primary constraint
- Positioning critical
- Environmental needs specific
- Extremely slow process
Germination Time
- Root emergence: 3-6 months
- Shoot emergence: 6-12 months
- Leaf emergence: 12-24 months
- Success rate: 60-80% with fresh seeds
Seedling Care and Early Development
- Growth entirely subterranean
- Developing massive underground axis
- No visible leaves
- Constant moisture critical
- First fan leaves emerge
- Still primarily underground growth
- Extremely slow development
- Begin very light feeding
- Juvenile leaves increasing
- Trunk development begins
- Growth rate: 1-2 leaves per year
- Highly vulnerable phase
Advanced Germination Techniques
Hormonal Treatments for Germination Enhancement
- GA3 shows no benefit
- Cytokinins ineffective
- Natural germination best
- Positioning more critical than treatments
- Stable temperature essential
- Diurnal fluctuation harmful
- Bottom heat beneficial
- Humidity control critical
4. Cultivation Requirements
Light Requirements
Species-specific Light Tolerance Ranges
- Germination/Seedling (0-10 years): 50-200 μmol/m²/s (deep shade)
- Juvenile (10-30 years): 200-600 μmol/m²/s (heavy shade)
- Sub-adult (30-50 years): 600-1200 μmol/m²/s (moderate shade)
- Adult: 1200-2000 μmol/m²/s (light shade to partial sun)
Deep shade essential for decades.
Seasonal Light Variations and Management
- Consistent shade required for juveniles
- Adults tolerate seasonal variation
- Protect from direct sun until mature
- Gradual acclimation over years
Artificial Lighting for Indoor Cultivation
- Low light acceptable for young plants
- Standard fluorescent adequate
- 10-12 hour photoperiod
- 50-150 foot-candles sufficient
Temperature and Humidity Management
Optimal Temperature Ranges
- Ideal: 26-32°C (79-90°F) constant
- Acceptable: 22-35°C (72-95°F)
- Minimum survival: 18°C (64°F)
- Maximum tolerance: 38°C (100°F) briefly
- No cold tolerance whatsoever
Cold Tolerance Thresholds
- Damage begins: 20°C (68°F)
- Severe damage: 18°C (64°F)
- Fatal: Below 15°C (59°F)
- Purely tropical species
Hardiness Zone Maps
- USDA Zones: 11 only
- Marginal in 10b
- Sunset Zones: 24 only
- European: H1a only
Humidity Requirements and Modification
- Optimal: 80-95% year-round
- Minimum: 70%
- Constant high humidity critical
- Leaf damage below 60%
Soil and Nutrition
Ideal Soil Composition and pH
Granitic soil mix:
- 30% decomposed granite
- 25% coarse sand
- 20% coconut coir
- 15% aged compost
- 10% charcoal
- Deep, well-draining essential
Nutrient Requirements Through Growth Stages
- No fertilization first 5 years
- Ultra-light feeding thereafter
- 1/10 strength monthly maximum
- NPK ratio: 3-1-2
- Quarterly application
- Very light hand essential
- NPK ratio: 8-3-12
- Monthly during growth
- Full strength acceptable
Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilization
- Aged leaf compost ideal
- Bat guano beneficial
- Slow decomposition matches growth
- Mimics natural nutrition
- Very low concentrations
- Slow-release only
- Risk of root burn high
- Natural approach better
Micronutrient Deficiencies and Corrections
- Magnesium: Most common deficiency
- Iron: In alkaline conditions
- Manganese: Occasional need
- Boron: For reproductive health
Water Management
Irrigation Frequency and Methodology
- Consistent moisture essential
- Never allow drying
- Deep watering preferred
- Increase in warm season
Drought Tolerance Assessment
- Rapid decline if dry
- Ancient leaves brown quickly
- Recovery very slow
Water Quality Considerations
- Soft water preferred
- Rainwater ideal
- Sensitive to salts
- pH 6.5-7.0 optimal
Drainage Requirements
- Good drainage paradoxically critical
- No waterlogging tolerance
- Raised planting beneficial
- Organic mulch important
5. Diseases and Pests
Common Problems in Growing
- Fungal leaf spots: In high humidity
- Root rot: If drainage poor
- Scale insects: Most common pest
- Nutrient deficiencies: Due to slow uptake
Identification of Diseases and Pests
Disease Issues:
- Phytophthora root rot: Major threat
- Pestalotiopsis leaf spots: Cosmetic
- Ganoderma butt rot: In old specimens
- Crown rot: If water accumulates
Pest Problems:
- Coconut scale: White encrustations
- Mealybugs: In crown
- Red palm weevil: Serious threat where present
- Endemic to Seychelles pests absent elsewhere
Environmental and Chemical Protection Methods
- Perfect drainage paramount
- Good air circulation
- Remove old fronds carefully
- Quarantine new plants
- Systemic fungicides for root rot
- Horticultural oil for scales
- Neem oil preventatively
- Minimal intervention preferred
6. Indoor Palm Growing
Specific Care in Housing Conditions
- Enormous ultimate size
- High humidity needs
- Slow growth frustrating
- Decades to maturity
- Large conservatory required
- Humidity control essential
- Patience paramount
- Stable conditions
Replanting and Wintering
- Disturb roots minimally
- Only when essential
- Huge containers needed
- Spring timing only
- Maintain above 22°C (72°F)
- Humidity 80%+ critical
- Reduce watering slightly
- No cold drafts
- Maximum light
7. Landscape and Outdoor Cultivation
Garden Applications
- Botanical garden centerpiece
- Conservation collections
- Tropical estate gardens
- Educational specimens
Design Impact
- Prehistoric appearance
- Gender contrast interesting
- Massive scale consideration
- Century-long commitment
8. Cold Climate Cultivation Strategies
Cold Hardiness
Winter Protection
- Heated conservatory only
- Minimum 20°C (68°F) always
- High humidity mandatory
- No outdoor options
Hardiness Zone
- USDA Zone 11 only
- Not viable in Zone 10b
- Tropical greenhouse essential
Winter Protection Systems and Materials
- Professional climate control
- Backup systems critical
- Humidity generation essential
- Emergency protocols needed
Establishment and Maintenance in Landscapes
Planting Techniques for Success
- Deep, rich soil
- Protection from wind
- Partial shade for decades
- Allow for massive size
- Deep cultivation (2m+)
- Extensive amendments
- Perfect drainage
- Rich organic matter
- Handle with extreme care
- Plant at exact same depth
- Immediate support
- Deep mulch layer
Long-term Maintenance Schedules
- Moisture monitoring
- Pest inspection
- Light fertilization
- Comprehensive health check
- Soil testing
- Nutrient adjustment
- Photo documentation
- Succession planning
- Gender determination
- Conservation records
- Educational programs
Final Summary
Lodoicea maldivica stands as one of Earth's most extraordinary palms, producing the largest seeds in the plant kingdom and embodying extremes in plant biology. Endemic to just two islands in the Seychelles, this endangered species represents millions of years of island evolution, resulting in remarkable adaptations including its famous bilobed seeds, extreme longevity, and unique reproductive strategies.
The coco de mer challenges conventional cultivation through its geological timescales—taking 40-60 years to first flower, growing only centimeters annually, and living for perhaps a millennium. Success requires not just horticultural skill but institutional commitment spanning human generations. The massive leaves, eventually reaching 14 square meters each, and potential 30-meter height demand careful long-term planning.
Propagation faces severe constraints: legal restrictions limit seed availability, viability lasts mere months, and germination extends over years with growth remaining subterranean for the first decade. These biological realities, combined with exacting environmental requirements—constant warmth, perpetual high humidity, and deep shade for decades—make this species suitable only for major botanical institutions or the most dedicated private conservationists.
For those able to commit resources and patience, cultivating L. maldivica offers incomparable rewards. Beyond its fame as producer of the world's largest seeds, it provides living testimony to island evolution, serves critical conservation purposes, and creates an unforgettable presence that bridges deep time with the present. Each cultivated specimen helps preserve a species under pressure from climate change and habitat degradation.
Success ultimately requires accepting that you're not just growing a palm but stewarding a piece of Earth's natural heritage that operates on timescales beyond human experience. In appropriate tropical settings or sophisticated conservatories, with proper permits and infinite patience, the coco de mer offers the privilege of nurturing one of nature's most remarkable creations—a palm that challenges our perceptions of time, size, and the extraordinary lengths to which evolution can push plant reproduction.
Lodoicea maldivica represents the ultimate challenge in palm cultivation. Success demands not just resources and expertise, but a commitment that spans human generations. This is not a palm for casual cultivation—it requires the dedication of major botanical institutions or the most serious private conservationists willing to think in centuries rather than years.