The double coconut, also known as coco de mer, is a unique variety of palm trees, indigenous to the Seychelles, specifically found on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. Its name may resemble that of a regular coconut, but it is one of the rarest and most sought-after fruits in the world. Double coconut is botanically known as Lodoocea maldivica and it is famed for producing the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The double coconut tree is surrounded by several myths and botanical marvels.
Read this article to learn more about the double coconut plant, its nutrition, health benefits, uses and side effects of this marvel fruit.
What is Double Coconut?
The double coconut tree derived its name from its appearance, resembling the coconut. This tree is popular among the locals, and it’s known by the name Coco DeMer or the Sea coconut. It is one of the exotic and rarest plants, owing to its endemic nature. Endemic plants are the ones that are found in one specific climatic zone, area or geographical location.
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These plants were formerly found in the small islets of St Pierre, Chauve-Souris and Ile Ronde (Round Island) all located near Praslin Island. However, double coconut trees have faded away with increasing deforestation and population and have become extinct in those islets. This fruit comes under the monotypic category, which means this category has no subdivisions and no subspecies to it.
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The Double Coconut Plant
The double coconut plant is a slow-growing and long-living tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. The leaves are fan-shaped and can grow up to 10 meters in length, giving it a majestic look. It is a dioecious plant, meaning male and female flowers are found on separate trees.
It grows in sandy, well-drained soils in the tropical and humid weather of the Seychelles. The plant is now safeguarded and considered endangered owing to the destruction of its habitat and over-cultivation.
The double coconut is the largest and heaviest seed in the world, weighing up to 25 kg. The seed's unique shape resembles a double-lobed coconut or a woman's pelvis.
The ripened fruit is about 40-50cm in diameter weighs 15-30 kg and comprises the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The fruit usually takes about 6-7 years to mature and a further two years to germinate. It is also called the sea coconut, love nut, double coconut, coco fesse, or Seychelles nut.
The plant holds certain distinct botanical records:
It makes the largest wild fruit so far recorded, weighing up to 36 kg and sometimes as much as 99 pounds.
The fruit is made of three carpels, the largest of any flowering plant.
These fruits take time to mature and slowest requiring 8 to 10 years.
The mature seeds weigh up to 17.6 kg and are the world's heaviest.
The seed upon germination, produces the longest cotyledon, up to f meters.
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It is the slowest growing of all large trees, which grow at an average of 1.29 inches per year for 140 years.
The female flowers are the largest up to four inches in diameter.
The male catkins, grow up to two meters in length and are the longest known.
The leaf of this plant has the longest lifespan of any monocot variant, nine years to develop in the terminal spike and then nine more years as a completely functioning one.
Lodoicea is the most valuable plant known for recovering nutrients from moribund leaves.
Nutritional Content of Double Coconut
The nutritional content of this fruit has not been evaluated in detail, as it is not consumed. However, like regular coconuts, the kernel if edible may contain fats, carbohydrates and a moderate amount of protein.
Health Benefits
Although the double coconut (Lodoicea maldivica) is not widely researched for its nutritional composition and health benefits, it is thought to have potential advantages based on its physical qualities and its similarity to regular coconuts.
The double coconut fruit is widely used in Siddha, Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. It is typically used as a flavour enhancer for soups and broths in Asian cuisine.
In Chinese medicine, it is used to ease inflammation, nausea and abdominal discomfort.
Uses of Double Coconut
The double coconut plant has both practical and cultural significance:
The double coconut species is grown as an ornamental tree in many regions in the tropics including botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and Thailand and on Mahe and Silhouette Islands in the Seychelles to help preserve the species.
The seeds of Lodoicea have been highly valued for ages, due to rarity had led to keen interest and huge prices in royal courts. Where the tough outer seed coat has been used to make bowls like Sufi bowls and other instruments.
The double coconut tree has been renowned for its beauty, taste and reputed healing quality.
Though single nuts were sold for a king’s ransom, they were mostly sought after by rich European men who added to the nut’s natural beauty by being entrusted with jewels.
The seed is seen as a symbol of fertility in local folklore.
Difference Between a Coconut and a Double Coconut
Seed Size: A regular coconut seed weighs a few hundred grams, while the double coconut seed can weigh up to 25 kg.
Geography: Regular coconuts are found worldwide in tropical regions, whereas double coconuts are native only to the Seychelles.
Shape: Regular coconuts are oval-shaped, while double coconuts have a unique double-lobed shape.
Edibility: Regular coconuts are widely consumed for their water and kernel, while double coconuts are not commonly edible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Double Coconut Edible?
While the double coconut is technically edible, it is not commonly consumed due to its rarity and protected status. The kernel inside the seed is very hard and not palatable like regular coconut flesh. Consuming it is discouraged to protect the endangered species.
Is it Grown In India?
Yes, one specimen tree of Lodoicea maldivica exists in India and it has been maintained at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden (AJCBIBG), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Kolkata, West Bengal. Originally the seeds were bought from Seychelles in 1894, and it was used to raise the palm. The plant grew into a female palm and successful artificial pollination was done in August 2013 with the pollen obtained from Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Thailand.
Currently, the 125-year-old female double coconut tree is the only specimen in India, which is dying, and researchers are trying their best to save the palm as well as its maturing fruits to obtain the seeds.
What Is Inside The Double Coconut?
The inside of a double coconut consists of a hard kernel surrounded by a thick shell. Unlike regular coconuts, it does not contain coconut water, and the kernel is harder and less edible.
What Is The Price Of Double Coconut?
The price of a double coconut can vary depending on its origin, condition, and legality. Due to its rarity, a single double coconut seed can cost anywhere between 26090.10 -521578.20 ($300 to $6,000) or more. Prices are also influenced by regulations and export laws, as it is a protected species.
Is It Available For Sale?
No, Double coconuts are rarely available for sale due to strict international conservation laws. If sold, they are often certified and come with proper documentation to ensure they have been legally obtained. They are primarily sold as ornamental pieces or collectables rather than for consumption.
Side Effects of Double Coconut
There are no known side effects from consuming double coconut because it is not commonly consumed. However, if used medicinally or otherwise, care should be taken to ensure proper usage, as its rarity makes it an ecological priority rather than a food source.
Conclusion:
The double coconut is a marvel plant of nature, admired for its stupendous size, shape, and rarity. While it holds significant cultural and ornamental value, it is not a practical food source. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this extraordinary species for future generations.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
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M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lodoicea
Bellot, S., Bayton, R.P., Couvreur, T.L.P., Dodsworth, S., Eiserhardt, W.L., Guignard, M.S., Pritchard, H.W., Roberts, L., Toorop, P.E. & Baker, W.J. (2020). On the origin of giant seeds: the macroevolution of the double coconut (Lodoicea maldivica) and its relatives (Borasseae, Arecaceae). New Phytologist
Edwards, P.J., Kollmann, J., Fleischmann, K. (2002). Life history evolution in Lodoicea maldivica (Arecaceae). Nordic Journal of Botany 22: 227–238.
Fleischer-Dogley, F., Huber, M.J. & Ismail, S. (2011). Lodoicea maldivica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2011: e.T38602A10136618.
Morgan, E.J., Kaiser-Bunbury, C.N., Edwards, P.J., Fleischer-Dogley, F. & Kettle, C.J. (2017). Tracing coco de mer’s reproductive history: Pollen and nutrient limitations reduce fecundity. Ecology and Evolution 7: 7765–7776.
