Which palm tree produces the world’s largest seed?

The coco de mer palm produces the world’s largest seed. Its scientific name is Lodoicea maldivica, and it is native to just two islands in the Seychelles: Praslin and Curieuse.

A coco de mer seed can weigh around 15–30 kilograms and take several years to mature. The palm itself is also notable for its enormous leaves, which can reach about 10 metres in length. Individual trees are male or female, so both sexes are needed for reproduction.

The seed’s distinctive shape led to centuries of myths. Before the palm was scientifically identified, washed-up seeds found around the Indian Ocean were sometimes believed to come from an underwater tree. The name “coco de mer” means “sea coconut,” reflecting this maritime mystery.

Coco de mer is not the same as the coconut palm, whose fruit is much smaller and has a fibrous husk. Because of its restricted range and illegal harvesting risks, the species is protected and its seeds are regulated for export.