Common Name: Double Coconut

General Information

Lodoicea maldivica is a slow-growing, but eventually very large, unarmed, single-stemmed fan palm that can reach a height of 25 metres[]. It is famed for its enormous seeds, which weigh about 20kg, and are the largest seeds of any plant[].
The plant is cultivated on a small scale in India. Before the discovery of the Seychelles Isl. (1743) only the fruits of this species, floating and displaced by sea drift, were known[]. This gave rise to superstitious speculations on their origin and their effects as medicinal miracle drug[].
The long-term overexploitation of the unusual nuts has virtually wiped out natural recruitment. Fire is another major threat to the species. The plant has been classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Indian Ocean - Seychelles.

Habitat

Rainforests[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of hot, wet, tropical lowlands[].
Succeeds in various soil conditions[].
Seedling plants take 20 years or more before they start to produce fruit[].
The seeds take up to seven years to mature on the plant.
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

The endosperm of the fruits is eaten[].
The immature seed contains a delicately textured, translucent, jelly-like substance that is sweetly flavoured with a melting texture[]. It is much appreciated as a dessert delicacy[].
The largest seed in the world, it is 40cm or more in diameter and can weigh 20kg or more[].

The terminal bud is consumed as a vegetable, and is also preserved in vinegar[]. Eating this bud will lead to the eventual death of the tree since it is unable to produce side shoots[].

The young leaves serve as stuffing[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The stony endocarps of the large fruits are made into various items such as bowls, plates and drinking vessels[, ].

The leaves are used for making hats, baskets or are utilized as a thatching material for roofs and walls[, ].

Propagation

Seed - should be sown in situ since it sends down a sinker of about 4 metres long[].

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