When at Seychelles, don't forget to pose with the 'Love Nut'

REGION: Praslin, Seychelles
Call it an erotic island souvenir or the forbidden fruit, Sea Coconut, Love Nut, Double Coconut or just Seychelles Nut is really unique and gigantic. The fruit takes about seven years to mature.

An average one weighs about 40 kgs, so be careful while trying to pick one to pose with. Praslin's locals giggle and ask you to hold it and take pictures for you. The generic name is Coco de Mer and it takes 30 years for a female Coco de Mer tree to mature enough to produce the famed Seychelles Nut. One can relish the exotic starfruit in Seychelles.

The fertilisation process isn't fully understood by the botanists as yet and that has given rise to many stories and myths around this gigantic nut. The locals believe that the Coco de Mer male tree rises on its roots during the full moon and treks across the forest to mate. Sounds unbelievable right!

In fact, the government claims ownership of all Coco de Mer trees known to exist in this country, even if they grow on private property. Anyone found illegally harvesting a nut is subject to a fine and five years in prison. Hard Luck...




Locals in Seychelles offer tourists to pose with the Love Nut.