Because the nut looked like a woman’s hips or torso, it was associated with . The Catholic Church listed it as a "malignant object." Doctors of the era prescribed Coco de Mal cups as "testers" for poison; it was believed that the nut would sweat or crack if a toxic substance was placed inside.
When it rains, the leaves catch the water and channel it directly down the stem to the base of the trunk. As the water flows, it picks up bird droppings, dead insects, and decaying plant matter, creating a rich "nutrient soup" right at the tree's roots to feed its offspring. BBC Wildlife Magazine
Report compiled based on data from the Seychelles Islands Foundation, IUCN Red List, and UNESCO World Heritage documentation.
Before the trees were scientifically documented, the nuts were occasionally found floating in the ocean, having drifted far from their island home. Because the trees grew on the seabed—or so it was believed—sailors named them "Coco de Mer," or "Coconut of the Sea."
If you enjoyed this article, explore the wonders of the Vallée de Mai or check our guide on ethical souvenir purchasing in the Seychelles.
