Seychelles’ Tree of Endless Treasures – The Coconut Palm
Written by Editor on 25th February 2025
The Coconut Palm – Seychelles’ Tree of Endless Treasures
The coconut palm, often called the Tree of Life, plays an essential role in Seychellois culture. From its nourishing fruit to its sturdy trunk, every part of the tree serves a purpose—whether for food, shelter, or traditional crafts. Found across the 115 islands of Seychelles, these palms are more than just picturesque beachside décor—they’re a symbol of resourcefulness and sustainability.
Let’s explore the many ways Seychellois have used this versatile palm for generations.
The Leaves for Craftsmanship and Creativity
Coconut leaves are more than just shade providers. Skilled Seychellois craftsmen weave them into hats, baskets, and mats—a time-consuming practice passed down through generations.
The midribs, the central veins holding the leaves together, are repurposed to make brooms, barbecue skewers, decorations, and traditional toys. In the past, dried leaves even served as roofing for Creole homes.
The Heart, A Delicacy in Demand
Hidden beneath the leaves lies the palmis, or heart of the palm—a tender, edible core considered a delicacy. Popular among both locals and visitors, it’s often served in salads or as a side dish.
Due to the need to cut down the tree to harvest the heart, it’s now more commonly enjoyed from cultivated palms rather than wild ones.
The Spathe & Inflorescence – Flowers with Purpose
The spathe is the scope-like covering that protects the coconut flowers, or inflorescence. Once dried, the spathe can be polished and varnished to create beautiful containers.
The dried inflorescence, on the other hand, makes a handy broom—perfect for clearing picnic spots on the beach. When still closed, locals tap the inflorescence to collect a sap used to produce kalou, a traditional coconut toddy.
The Trunk, Strength and Structure
In the past, the coconut trunk provided essential building materials. It was cut into planks for boarding and partitioning houses and made sturdy pillars for traditional homes.
Today, polished coconut wood remains popular for rustic furniture and home décor, celebrating the tree’s natural beauty.
The Roots, Nature’s Medicine Cabinet
Even the roots of the coconut palm have their uses. They’ve long been brewed into teas and tonics to treat gallbladder issues, urinary infections, kidney ailments, heartburn, and eczema.
Interestingly, some locals also ferment root sap into a stronger version of kalou, highlighting how every part of the tree can be transformed into something useful.
The Coconut Husk, Nature’s Handy Helper
The husk, the rough exterior surrounding the shell, is made of tough fibers known as coir. In the days before scouring pads, locals used coir mixed with sand to scrub pots, leaving them spotless and shiny.
For families who couldn’t afford store-bought mattresses, the fibers were stuffed into homemade bedding. Today, the husk still serves many purposes, from planting and fueling fires to crafting traditional toys.
The Shell – From Waste to Worth
Beneath the husk lies the hard shell, often discarded after the flesh is removed. But did you know it makes an excellent charcoal alternative?
Artisans also transform the strong shell into long-lasting handicrafts, such as jewelry, buttons, and decorative pieces—showcasing how even the toughest part of the coconut has value.
The Flesh, A Culinary Staple
The edible coconut kernel is packed with vitamins and can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or processed. When grated and soaked in water, it produces coconut milk, a key ingredient in many Creole dishes and desserts.
Mature coconuts yield oil that’s perfect for cooking, moisturizing skin, and protecting hair. It’s even a natural sunscreen and a fantastic addition to oral hygiene routines.
The Water – Nature’s Energy Drink
Fresh coconut water isn’t just refreshing—it’s rich in B vitamins, proteins, and vitamin C. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a long day in the sun, helping to rehydrate and replenish energy.
Locals also turn to coconut water as a home remedy for sunstroke, stomach aches, and urinary issues.
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