A 20th century coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica), 27cm long.

These palm tree nuts are unique to the Seychelles, and can still be found there, including the island of Praslin.These palm tree nuts contain the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Sailors who would see these floating in the sea were struck by the resemblance to a woman's buttocks. This is reflected in one of the plant's old latin names, Lodoicea Callipyge, derived from the Greek and translated 'beautiful rump'. Until the source of the nut was determined in 1768 it was thought by many that they came from a mythical tree at the bottom of the sea.

Condition Report

Ok. Hook attached at the top of one side in the middle.

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