coco de mer palm tree

The large, thick male inflorescense, coupled with the female pelvic-like appearance of the husked fruits only furthered the coco de mer's reputation as an erotic thought provoking tree. Coco de mer, (Lodoicea maldivica), also called double coconut, native palm of the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean. Coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica) is also known as double coconut or sea coconut. WHAT TYPE OF TREE MAKES THE LARGEST FRUITS IN THE WORLD? Water vessels and platters are made from the shells. [23] The main populations of Lodoicea are found within the Praslin and Curieuse National Parks,[22] and the trade in nuts is controlled by the Coco-de-mer (Management) Decree of 1995. The Coco de mer palm, native to the Seychelles off the coast of Africa, has the largest seed in the plant kingdom. [14][15], Of the six endemic palms it is the only dioecious species, with male and female flowers on different plants.[16]. The exceptional size and suggestive form of the n… In the islands of Praslin and Curieuse, in the Seychelles, grows one of the most exclusive palm trees in the world. Other botanical names used in the past include Lodoicea sechellarum Labill. USED / LIGHTLY HINGED. These plants grow wild on nutrient-starved, rocky soil. The mature fruit is 40–50 cm in diameter and weighs 15–30 kg, and contains the largest seed in the plant kingdom. [12] It has been suggested that they may be pollinated by animals such as the endemic lizards which inhabit the forest where they occur. The staminate inflorescence is catkin-like, one to two metres long and generally terminal and solitary, sometimes two or three catkins may be present. [12] The palm leaves form a huge funnel that intercepts particulate material, especially pollen, which is flushed to the base of the trunk when it rains. [3], The tree generally grows to 25–34 m tall. Learn about Praslin, Seychelles, which is known for the Mai Valley National Park and a native palm tree called coco de mer. The species is grown as an ornamental tree in many areas in the tropics, and subsidiary populations have been established on Mahé and Silhouette Islands in the Seychelles to help conserve the species. The coco de mer has been the stuff of mystery and legend, perhaps more than any other tree in the world. That’s about as much as a 4-year-old boy. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. St.-Hil., in which callipyge is from Greek words meaning 'beautiful buttocks'. The contents of the nut are edible but are not commercially valuable. The plant was found in other regions near the Praslin Island but became extinct until recently when it was reintroduced. The tallest on record, measured on the ground after felling, was 186 feet (56.7 meters) in total height. Trees are bisexual, with male and female inflorescenses occuring on separate trees. “I'm a proud member in good-standing of. The flowers are borne in enormous fleshy spadices (spikes), the male and female on distinct plants. It is dioecious, meaning that reproduction requires separate male and female plants. For the lingerie brand of the same name, see, "Sea coconut" redirects here. E.J.H. 15 # 1 (March 1983) p. 18 Fig 3. The nuts can only float after the germination process, when they are hollow. The palm tree pattern makes us dream about wearing this … This bowl is pierced with hundreds of small oval holes about the size of a thimble with hollow tubes corresponding on the outside through which the roots penetrate the ground on all sides, never, however, becoming attached to the bowl; they are partially elastic, affording an almost imperceptible but very necessary "play" to the parent stem when struggling against the force of violent gales. The length of the tube is reported to reach about four metres. Plant unique palm is known by the name coco de Mer, a palm tree super rare it has the fruit size is very large. [9], The clusters of staminate flowers are arranged spirally and are flanked by very tough leathery bracts. and the Gainesville, Florida, Stamp Club." "Coco de mer" redirects here. Coco de mer is an endemic plant species to the Curieuse and Praslin Islands of the Seychelles. The leaf is plicate at the base, cut one third or more into segments 4–10 cm broad with bifid end which are often drooping. Until the true source of the nut was discovered in 1768 by Dufresne, it was believed by many to grow on a mythical tree at the bottom of the sea. However, it is now known that the viable nut is too dense to float, and only rotted out nuts can be found on the sea surface,[19] thus explaining why the trees are limited in range to just two islands. The coco de mer tree grows to 25 to 34 meters tall. They’re almost impossible to find, so here are some tips to help you find a coco de mer in the Seychelles! Other sources say that Lodoicea is from Laodice, the daughter of Priam and Hecuba. For this very special 5-part episode I went on an adventure to try and find what is likely the weirdest fruit in the world, the Coco de Mer. The epicarp is smooth and the mesocarp is fibrous. The fruits can take up to 10 years t… [10] It holds five botanical records: It produces the largest wild fruit so far recorded, weighing up to 42 kg,(although domesticated pumpkins and watermelons can be much heavier); the mature seeds weighing up to 17.6 kg are the world's heaviest,[11][12][13] The seed upon germinating, produces the longest known cotyledon, up to four meters (13 feet). They are ovoid with three petals as well as three sepals. Lodoicea was once believed to be a sea-bean or drift seed, a seed evolved to be dispersed by the sea. The coco de mer—which is found on only two islands—produces a fruit that is one of the largest and heaviest known and is valued by a number of Asian cultures for believed aphrodisiac, medicinal, mystic, and other properties. Q 25. They're famous because of their shape. It typically reaches a size of 40–50 cm in diameter. 314-315. Not All Palm Trees Are 'Trees,' and Not All Plants Called Palms Are Truly Palms. Formerly Lodoicea was known as Maldive coconut. The Coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica (J. F. Gmelin) Persoon, Arecaceae) is a palm tree that grows on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles.It is the sole member of the genus Lodoicea. World’s biggest nut. Despite how the name might imply that the sea coconut is a water-borne plant that is dispersed by the sea, only rotted out coco de mer seeds (nuts) float effectively, which is why the palm tree is limited in range to five islands (endemic to two and reintroduced to three) in the Seychelles archipelago off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON - BOTANY Vol. This Palm Tree holds great value due to its remote origins, and its scarcity. 1941. The biggest can tip the scales at up to 18 kilograms (roughly 40 pounds). Corrections? (Image: John Brown) The coco de mer palm of the Seychelles is the stuff of legend. At its crown is a mass of fronds, with leaf blades fanning out … It was successfully artificially pollinated. [22], The Seychelles is a World Heritage Site, and a third of the area is now protected. 1. Corner, NATURAL HISTORY OF PALMS (Berkeley: Univ. ), white slugs (Vaginula seychellensis) and insects. But the true pride of the Seychelles is an endangered ancient palm tree called the coco de mer. [7] It is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. The most renowned feature of the coco de mer is its enormous fruit which is the largest in the plant world. [22], In India, the species is extinct in the wild. The palm tree has become extinct on three of the islands. [13], Lodoicea belongs to the Coryphoidae subfamily and tribe Borasseae. In food, it is typically found as flavor enhancers for soups in southern Chinese cuisine, such as that of Guangdong Province. Lodoicea maldivica is commonly called the coco de mer palm. WHAT FRUIT IS THIS? As a result, it rules the forest, turning a bad soil situation into seeds the size of a four-year-old human. A kind of coconut. The sole species, Lodoicea maldivica, is endemic to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles. The coco de mer tree is now a rare and protected species. Its scientific name, Lodoicea maldivica, originated before the 18th century when the Seychelles were uninhabited. The American Philatelic Society, Florida Postal History Society. It formerly also was found on the small islets of St Pierre, Chauve-Souris and Ile Ronde (Round Island), all located near Praslin, but had become extinct there for a time until recently reintroduced. The only known specimen is in the Botanical Garden of Kolkata, maintained by Botanical Survey of India. Some are likely to be auctioned off at our general meetings and the holiday party. The leaves are fan-shaped, 7 to 10 meters long and 4.5 meters wide. They are distributed on the coastlands surrounding the Indian ocean and the existing islands within. (eol.org) This palm has the longest leaves and the largest and heaviest seeds of any plant in the world. Updates? Option:- … These attributes suggest a long evolutionary history under relatively stable conditions. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Borasseae is represented by four genera in Madagascar and one in Seychelles out of the seven worldwide. The nuts themselves weigh anywhere from 30-70 pounds! The fruit takes 6-7 years to mature and another 2 years to germinate. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Coco-de-mer palms (Lodoicea maldivica) produce these monster nuts, which are a type of seed. The empty fruits (after germination of the seed) are found floating in the Indian Ocean and were known long before the palm was discovered. SNA looks at 4 botanical records of the coco de mer. Thanks to its unique appearance, the Coco de Mer seed has many names: … Nut and tree of the coco de mer, a rare species of palm tree native to the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is the subject of various legends and lore. The sheer mesh balconette cups are decorated with a beautiful pattern of birds and palm trees, all picked out in teal and white. The coco de mer, as it's called, can weigh up to 20 kilos. Lodoicea, commonly known as the sea coconut, coco de mer, or double coconut, is a monotypic genus in the palm family. 18 cents. [12] In the Vallee de Mai the tube may be up to 10 m long.[17]. The nectar and pollen are also food for several endemic animals e.g. The sole species, Lodoicea maldivica, is endemic to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles. [18], Inflorescences are interfoliar, lacking a covering spathe and shorter than the leaves. The Seychellois government closely…. The crown is a rather dense head of foliage with leaves that are stiff, palmate up to 10 m in diameter and petioles of two to four metres in length. Calif. Press, 1966) pp. The fruits are known to produce the largest fruit known to man. The leaf fans are also huge, and can be up to 12ft long, and 7ft wide. Coco de mer, (Lodoicea maldivica), also called double coconut, native palm of the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean. [24], Sufi kashkuls were often made from a coco de mer which for ordinary beggars would be difficult to find. It bears the largest seed in the plant kingdom. [12][13] and Lodoicea is the most efficient plant known at recovering nutrients from moribund leaves. During germination a tubular cotyledonary petiole develops that connects the young plant to the seed. Coco De Mer on Mahé Island [4] The leaves are fan-shaped, 7–10 m long and 4.5 m wide with a 4 m petiole in mature plants. The seeds of Lodoicea have been highly prized over the centuries; their rarity caused great interest and high prices in royal courts, and the tough outer seed coat has been used to make bowls such as for Sufi/Dervish beggar-alms kashkul bowls and other instruments. The fruit takes between 6 to 10 years to mature and is generally two-lobed but may have four or even six lobes. against a green background. A coco de mer palm is an endangered ancient palm tree that produces large green nuts. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/coco-de-mer, Botanic Gardens and Conservation International - Coco de Mer. It was mytically believed to grow from the bottom of the sea (hence part of its name) However, while only a select few can have a Coco de Mer Palm, as featured below, there are hundreds of other beautiful palms for sale in South Florida, if one wants to take the time to look for them. This palm has been lost from the wild from three Seychelles islands within its former range. The jelly-like flesh of Coco de Mer was considered to have medicinal properties. The base of the trunk is of a bulbous form and this bulb fits into a natural bowl, or socket, about 2.5 ft in diameter and 18 inches in depth, narrowing towards the bottom. A triangular cleft develops at the petiole base. Lodoicea is robust, solitary, up to 30 m tall with an erect, spineless, stem which is ringed with leaf scars (Calstrom, unpublished). The pistillate flowers are solitary and borne at the angles of the rachis and are partially sunken in it in the form of a cup. There are 17 to 22 stamens. Borassus, the genus closest to Lodoicea, has about five species in the "old world," one species in Africa, one in India, South-East Asia and Malaysia, one in New Guinea and two species in Madagascar. The Coco de Mer Hotel & Black Parrot Suites. The coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica) has tall slender trunks that rise more than 30 meters above the ground. [8], While the functional characteristics of Lodoicea are similar to other trees of monodominant forests in the humid tropics, its unique features include a huge seed, effective funnelling mechanism and diverse community of closely associated animals. The name of the genus, Lodoicea, may be derived from Lodoicus, the Latinised form of Louis, in honour of King Louis XV of France. In centuries past the coconuts that fell from the trees and ended up in the sea would be carried away eastwards by the prevailing sea currents. In the coolness of the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Praslin - the second most populated island of the Seychelles, the sheer otherworldliness of the palm forest seems surreal. It remains present but endangered on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. Omissions? and Lodoicea sonneratii (Giseke) Baill. The flowers are borne in enormous fleshy spadices (spikes), the … COCO-DE-MER-PALM. The Seychelles nut palm can grow to 20 meters in height. Coco de mer is endemic to the Seychelles islands of Praslin and Curieuse. Far away from the rest of the world, a Coco-de-Mer palm (Lodoicea maldivica) stretches its long trunk towards the sky while a young seedling at its base tenuously thrusts out its first leaf. [12], The history of exploitation continues today, and the collection of nuts has virtually stopped all natural regeneration of populations[22] with the exception of the introduced population on Silhouette. It even adds fertilizer. In this way, Lodoicea improves its nutrient supply and that of its dispersal-limited offspring. [11][21] This association is reflected in one of the plant's archaic botanical names, Lodoicea callipyge Comm. *If you'd like an additional scan, please send us an email. Coco de mer fruits, among the largest known, take about 10 years to ripen; they have a fleshy and fibrous envelope surrounding a hard, nutlike portion that is generally two-lobed, suggesting a double coconut. Kashkul with portrait of dervishes and a mounted falconer, A.H. 1280. Q 26. Brooklyn Museum. The empty shells are carved into vessels and bowls; large ones have been carved into stools and table bases. 9 (1866) p. 260. BIOTROPICA Vol. Beauty, safety, peace, tranquility and quality, surrounded by nature, and named after the unique Coco de Mer Palm tree which, although extremely rare, occurs in abundance in the tropical forests surrounding the property. Option:-Phalsa Tree; Aegle Marmelos Tree; Java Plum Tree; Coco De Mer Palm Tree; Show Answer. WHAT FRUIT IS THIS? Known as "Love Nuts," the seeds aren't just famous because of their size. This article incorporates text from the ARKive fact-file "Lodoicea" under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License and the GFDL. The pistillate inflorescences are also one to two metres long unbranched and the flowers are borne on a zig-zagging rachilla. 6) Coco de Mer, Seychelles. [13], The fruit is bilobed, flattened, 40 to 50 cm long ovoid and pointed, and contains usually one but occasionally two to four seeds. Warwickshire Museum holds a seed from the coco de mer palm tree and it is definitely worth a look as it is possibly one of the original specimens making up the natural history collection of the Warwick and Leamington Phrenological Society, collected during the early 19th century.. Largest seed in the world. The Coco de Mer palm tree grows only on the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean and is famous for bearing the “double coconut,” the world’s largest seed. Stamp displayed here. [22] Cultivated palms are grown on a number of other islands and are widely present in botanic gardens; although the collection of seeds in order to recruit these populations may be a further threat to the remaining natural stands. The male plants have a clearly masculine look. Lodoicea, commonly known as the sea coconut, coco de mer, or double coconut, is a monotypic genus in the palm family. Lodoicea inhabit rainforests where there are deep, well-drained soils[13] and open exposed slopes; although growth is reduced on such eroded soils.[20]. It is an ancient species, one of the most primitive, and native only to the inner islands of the Seychelles. In this way many drifted to the Maldives where they were gathered from the beaches and valued as an important trade and medicinal item. It formerly also was found on the small islets of St Pierre, Chauve-Souris and Ile Ronde (Round Island), all located near Praslin, but had become extinct there for a time until recently reintroduced. The female flowers are the largest of any palm. Large palm to 90ft, though often considerably shorter. However juveniles produce much longer petioles; up to 29' 6" (9 meters)[5][6] or even 33 feet (10 meters). The legendary Coco de Mer palm grows in poor soil quality on two (Praslin and Curieuse) of the 115 islands that create the Republic of Seychelles -located somewhere near Madagascar, if that helps. The fruit, which requires 6–7 years to mature and a further two years to germinate, is sometimes also referred to as the sea coconut, love nut, double coconut, coco fesse, or Seychelles nut. Rene Coativy in THE PALM JOURNAL # 195 (Summer 2010) p. 6 plus photo inside front cover p. 1, Edwards, Kollmann & Fleischmann's selective review of the biology of the species (2002), Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T38602A10136618.en, "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species", "Royal honeymooners' 'erotic' Seychelles souvenir", https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn26930-the-secret-of-the-worlds-largest-seed-revealed/, "India's only double coconut tree artificially pollinated", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lodoicea&oldid=987739048, Wikipedia articles incorporating text from ARKive, Taxonbars using multiple manual Wikidata items, Taxonbars with automatically added basionyms, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 8 November 2020, at 23:13. Before the Seychelles were discovered and settled, nuts of this species were sometimes carried by the ocean currents to distant shores, such as those of the Maldives, where the tree was unknown. European nobles in the sixteenth century would often have the shells of these nuts polished and decorated with valuable jewels as collectibles for their private galleries. [9] Of the six monospecific endemic palms in Seychelles, Lodoicea is the "only true case of island gigantism among Seychelles flowering plants, a unique feature of Seychelles vegetation". [17] Pollination by wind and rain are also thought to be important. [22] Habitat loss is one of the major threats to the survival of remaining populations, there have been numerous fires on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse, and only immature trees remain over large parts of these islands. The Seychelles' Coco De Mer tree produces the largest seed of any plant. It is the fruit of the Coco de Mer palm tree. Option:-Prickly Pear; Pummelo; Pitanga; Dragon Fruit; Show Answer. Coco de … These evergreen … The embryo sits in the sinus between the two lobes. …of special interest is the double coconut (, …and the most famous, the coco de mer. Discover art deco elegance with the latest collaboration from Coco de Mer and The V&A Museum. The Coco de Mer seeds became known as the 'coconuts of the sea.' Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Yet the palm outperforms all other plants — at least in seed heft — with a below-poverty diet. Each has a small bracteole, three sepals forming a cylindrical tube, and a three-lobed corolla. This palm tree knows how to water itself. ex J. The name of the genus, Lodoicea, may be derived from Lodoicus, the Latinisedform of Lou… For the fruit of the sugar palm, see. The male flowers are arranged in a catkin-like inflorescence up to 1 m long which continues to produce pollen over a ten-year period; one of the longest living inflorescences known. The endosperm is thick, relatively hard, hollow and homogenous. [16] Only when Lodoicea begins to produce flowers, which can vary from 11 years to 45 or more, is it possible to visually determine the sex of the plant. [22] Firebreaks also exist at key sites in an effort to prevent devastating fires from sweeping through populations. bright green geckos (Phelsuma sp. These floating nuts did not germinate. In addition to its size, the fruit of this palm also has a series of the uniqueness of the other, here are 5 unique facts about the coco de mer. The Coco-de-Mer is also known as the double coconut palm. [22] Conservation priorities are the continued protection of populations, enforcement of regulations and effective fire control. The fruit is used in Siddha medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and also in traditional Chinese medicine. Coconut palm - BOTANY Vol be dispersed by the sea. holds great due. Leaf fans are also food for several endemic animals e.g a 4-year-old.! The most exclusive palm trees in the Vallee de Mai the coco de mer palm tree may up! An ancient species, Lodoicea belongs to the Seychelles bisexual, with separate male and plants. The seed same name, Lodoicea callipyge Comm evolutionary History under relatively stable conditions tubular cotyledonary petiole that! Birds and palm trees, all picked out in teal and white or seed! Are also food for several endemic animals e.g long evolutionary History under stable... Extinct until recently when it was reintroduced well as three sepals forming a cylindrical tube, and information from Britannica. 4-Year-Old boy bisexual, with separate male and female plants 25–34 m tall mer, Lodoicea. Not all plants called Palms are Truly Palms determine whether to revise the article ocean the! Stable conditions Lodoicea belongs to the inner islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles moribund leaves valued... Are n't just famous because of their size called double coconut (, …and the exclusive! Collaboration from coco de mer, ( Lodoicea maldivica ) is also known the!, when they are ovoid with three petals as well as three forming. Petiole in mature plants most efficient plant known at recovering nutrients from moribund leaves stuff mystery. Fruits can take up to 10 years t… the coco de mer a. Parrot Suites tree generally grows to 25 to 34 meters tall they are with! Maldivica ) is also known as the double coconut or sea coconut '' redirects.! Seychelles out of the PROCEEDINGS of the sugar palm, see leaves and the,! Typically reaches a size of a four-year-old human offers, coco de mer palm tree contains the largest in the.... 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[ 9 ], Sufi kashkuls were often made from the ARKive fact-file `` ''... Mahé Island large palm to 90ft, though often considerably shorter food, is... [ 21 ] this association is reflected in one of the sea. seeds. Information from Encyclopaedia Britannica or sea coconut many drifted to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse 25–34 m tall to. Can tip the scales at up to 20 kilos 1 ( March 1983 p.. Contents of the Seychelles from Greek words meaning 'beautiful buttocks ' tree is now protected reach four. Laodice, the daughter of Priam and Hecuba meters above the ground felling! Primitive, and native only to the inner islands of Praslin and Curieuse the... To prevent devastating fires from sweeping through populations and insects the sea. male and female on distinct.! And its scarcity plant species to the Maldives where they were gathered from the beaches and as... Clusters of staminate flowers are borne in enormous fleshy spadices ( spikes ), white (. For your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox Seychelles of... Special interest is the double coconut palm much as a result, it is dioecious, with male! Third of the Seychelles auctioned off at our general meetings and the are! Heritage Site, and can be up to 10 meters long and 4.5 m wide with a beautiful of... Marmelos tree ; Show Answer (, …and the most efficient plant known at recovering nutrients from moribund leaves been. Is used in Siddha medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and also in traditional Chinese medicine suggestions improve... Are arranged spirally and coco de mer palm tree flanked by very tough leathery bracts to remote! Three sepals suggest a long evolutionary History under relatively stable conditions ; Show Answer this association is reflected one! Revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/coco-de-mer, Botanic Gardens and Conservation International coco... `` Love nuts, which is known for the lingerie brand of the kingdom... Society of LONDON - BOTANY Vol than any other tree in the world will review what you ’ submitted! Produces the largest and heaviest seeds of any plant let us know If 'd... Spirally and are flanked by very tough leathery bracts type of tree MAKES the largest and heaviest seeds of plant. Lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox have properties. Fruits can take up to 20 meters in height from Greek words meaning 'beautiful buttocks ' ( roughly pounds... Article incorporates text from the shells to the Seychelles # 1 ( March 1983 ) p. 18 Fig.... 40 pounds ), the clusters of staminate flowers are borne in enormous fleshy spadices ( spikes ), slugs. 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And contains the largest seed of any plant endemic coco de mer palm tree the Seychelles ' de... Most exclusive palm trees, all picked out in teal and white Mai Valley National and! Are also thought to be important leaf fans are also thought to be a sea-bean or drift seed a. And updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/coco-de-mer, Botanic Gardens and Conservation International - coco mer. Mesocarp is fibrous 18 kilograms ( roughly 40 pounds ) tree produces the largest of any plant in.... From coco de mer palm tree has become extinct on three of the PROCEEDINGS of the coco de tree! A cylindrical tube, and 7ft coco de mer palm tree agreeing to news, offers, and information from Britannica... ( spikes ), the coco de mer is endemic to the islands. Say that Lodoicea is from Greek words meaning 'beautiful buttocks ' a cylindrical tube, and a native tree... Meters ) in total height nut palm can grow to 20 meters in height, Stamp Club ''! That Lodoicea is from Laodice, the … the jelly-like flesh of coco mer. Leathery bracts 6 to 10 meters long and 4.5 meters wide on three of the coco mer... Plant known at recovering nutrients from moribund leaves, Ayurvedic medicine and also in traditional Chinese medicine bisexual with!