The Coco-De-Mer in Cultivation

Observations on the Morphology, Pollination and Cultivation of Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica (J F Gmel.) Pers., Palmae)

“…Studies. Ex situ germination and cultivation of L. maldivica outside of the tropics have proven notoriously difficult in the past (e.g., [44]). Three nuts were received at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh from the Vallée de Mai, Seychelles, in 2003 (courtesy of the Seychelles Island Foundation), with a further nut sent in January 2005.…”

“…Studies. Despite initial difficulties [44], germination and cultivation of L. maldivica in botanic gardens around the world, both tropical and temperate, is now proving a successful, if time-consuming, endeavour, and a great deal has been learned about the best methods to achieve results ex situ. For instance, the critical importance of temperature, humidity and light levels for germination and survival is now understood (with slower growth observed during years with lower light availability).…”

“…Despite a long history of attempts, relatively little is known about the ideal conditions for cultivation of the coco de mer. In 1890, L. maldivica was found to be the only Seychelles palm species that was impossible to cultivate at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and elsewhere [44], although it was successfully cultivated at tropical localities such as Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) and Zanzibar, and is now exhibited at several tropical botanic gardens. Bailey ([7] p.18) stated vaguely that it requires "a full tropical climate .…”