UK’s largest coco de mer leaf revealed at Eden Project – See the giant palm growing to 10 metres!
The coco de mer has grown from a seed gifted from the Seychelles and planted by the Eden team in 2003.(Image: Eden Project)
A rare and endangered palm at the Eden Project in Cornwall has produced a fully mature leaf, believed to be the largest of its kind in the UK. The remarkable specimen, Lodoicea maldivica, more commonly known as the coco de mer, has been cultivated in the Rainforest Biome since 2003 and has now reached an extraordinary size.
The giant leaf, which originated from a seed generously provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment in the Seychelles, has taken approximately ten years to reach its current length of around four metres. Experts predict that it could continue growing, potentially reaching an astonishing eight to ten metres over the next decade.
Peter Jones, director of horticulture at the Eden Project, expressed excitement over the milestone:
“Seeing the coco de mer’s majestic leaves mature in our Rainforest Biome is a unique opportunity for our visitors. It allows us to share the story of this extraordinary plant and highlight the importance of conserving it for future generations.”
Native to the Seychelles islands of Praslin and Curieuse, the coco de mer is renowned for producing the world’s largest and heaviest seed. The palm’s long life cycle—capable of living up to 800 years and growing as tall as 112 feet—makes the development of each leaf crucial for its survival. Large leaves act as natural funnels, channeling water and nutrients into the soil to support seed germination and growth.
The Eden Project’s Rainforest Biome, already home to over 1,000 plant varieties, continues to showcase extraordinary botanical achievements. Earlier this year, a baobab tree bloomed for the first time in the UK, marking another landmark for the Cornish attraction.
Jones added:
“As an educational charity, we are proud to support the conservation of remarkable species like the coco de mer. Watching this leaf thrive over the years is a testament to the resilience of these extraordinary plants, and we look forward to seeing it grow even further.”
Visitors to the Eden Project now have the rare chance to witness one of the largest coco de mer leaves in the world and learn about the vital role rainforests play in sustaining life on Earth.
FAQ
Q1: What is the coco de mer?
A: The coco de mer, or Lodoicea maldivica, is a rare palm native to the Seychelles, famous for producing the world’s largest and heaviest seed.
Q2: Where can I see the largest coco de mer leaf in the UK?
A: The Eden Project in Cornwall is home to the UK’s largest known coco de mer leaf, grown in its Rainforest Biome since 2003.
Q3: How big can a coco de mer leaf grow?
A: The leaf at the Eden Project has reached 4 metres so far and could potentially grow 8-10 metres over the next decade.
Q4: How long do coco de mer palms live?
A: Coco de mer palms can live for up to 800 years and reach heights of over 110 feet.
Q5: Why are coco de mer palms endangered?
A: Habitat loss, illegal seed collection, and slow growth cycles make the species highly vulnerable in the wild.
Q6: What is special about the Eden Project’s Rainforest Biome?
A: It houses over 1,000 plant species, including rare and endangered plants like the coco de mer, and showcases botanical wonders from around the world.
Q7: Why are large leaves important for the coco de mer?
A: Giant leaves funnel water and nutrients to the soil, supporting seed germination and healthy growth of the palm.