Discovering Coco de Mer at Valée de Mai

I visited Valée de Mai on Praslin Island, a UNESCO site home to the famous Coco de Mer, the world's largest seed. Walking through this ancient forest surrounded by towering palms felt like stepping into a different world.

The Coco de Mer seed, weighing up to 30 kg, has a unique shape, often compared to a woman's hips or a double coconut. Myths and legends have long surrounded this palm, symbolizing fertility and mystery.

The palm itself is remarkable not just for it's size, but also for it's life cycle. It can take over 25 years to mature before producing its first fruit, and the seed takes up to seven years to fully develop — making each Coco de Mer a rare and precious symbol of nature's patience and persistence.

Historically, Coco de Mer seeds were highly valued, often carved into decorative items. Today, they're still a treasured symbol of Seychelles and even used in perfumes, like Coco de Mer Eau de Parfum by Coco de Mer Cosmetics, which captures the exotic essence of the islands.

Strict regulations help preserve this rare palm, as the nuts are highly prized, leading to issues like poaching and illegal trade. Only certified Coco de Mer nuts can be exported.

Valée de Mai is also home to endemic species, like the Seychelles Black Parrot, Bronze Geck, and rare plants like the Latannyen Palm. Some even call this forest a contender for the original "Garden of Eden".

If you're visiting Seychelles, Valée de Mai is a must-see for nature lovers!