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

Stephen Blackmore,See-Chung Chin,Lindsay Chong Seng,Fiona Inches,Neil Watherston,Alexandra H Wortley,Putri Winda Utami,Frieda Christie

doi:10.1155/2012/687832

Abstract

We present a range of observations on the reproductive morphology, pollination biology and cultivation of Lodoicea maldivica (coco de mer), an endangered species with great ecological, economic and cultural importance. We review the history of study of this charismatic species. Morphological studies of the male inflorescence indicate its importance as a year-round food source to the Seychelles fauna. In situ observations suggest a number of potential biotic and abiotic pollination mechanisms including bees, flies, slugs, and geckos; trigonid bees are identified as the most likely potential natural pollinator. We outline a successful programme for ex situ pollination, germination, and cultivation of the coco de mer, highlighting the importance of temperature, humidity and light levels as well as maintaining an undisturbed environment. In combination with continued protection and monitoring, this advice may aid the future in situ and ex situ conservation of the coco de mer.

Highlights

Lodoicea maldivica (J F Gmel.) Pers. (Figure 1) is endemic to the Seychelles and is a remarkable species in biology, and in ecological, economic and cultural significance
We report a range of observations on the in situ and ex situ pollination biology, ex situ germination and cultivation of the coco de mer, data which are frequently lacking for large, Old World palms
Materials were collected and pollinator observations made in the Vallee de Mai, Praslin Island, with supplementary collections made on Curieuse Island, both in the Republic of Seychelles (Figure 3)

Summary

Introduction

Lodoicea maldivica (J F Gmel.) Pers. (Figure 1) is endemic to the Seychelles and is a remarkable species in biology, and in ecological, economic and cultural significance. As described in detail by Lionnet [3] and Fischer et al [4], L. maldivica was first recorded by Garcia de Orta in 1563 as coco das Maldivas in Coloquios dos Simples e Drogas he Cousas Medicinais da India e assi Dalguas Frutas Achadas Nella Onde se Tratam Alguas Cousas Tocantes a Medicina, Pratica, e Outras Cousas Boas Pera Saber [5]. At this time, its large, highly valued nuts (Figure 1(f)) could be found all around the Indian Ocean, including the Maldives, India, and. In 1769, Dufresne’s second-in-command, Duchemin, returned to Praslin Island and exported such a large quantity of coco de mer nuts that he flooded and practically destroyed their market [3]

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