Unique Plant Species on Praslin
Seychelles, the famous Indian Ocean island, is a world-renowned holiday destination known for its white sand beaches, warm crystal water, and mesmerising sunsets.
But did you know the Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most unique plant species?
The tropical island is a treasure trove of exotic plant species and lush vegetation.
Holidaymakers usually enjoy hiking through the dense forests; the perfect way to explore and see the variety of plant species endemic to Seychelles. From the great national parks to hidden hiking trails, you’re sure to spot many tropical flowers dotted around. Due to its remoteness, the island’s plants have survived for centuries without exposure to the rest of the world. The Seychelles are home to numerous unique plants, trees and fruit. There are over 2000 unique plant species in the Seychelles archipelago. From trees to mangroves, there’s a variety to explore and study.
Takamaka Trees
The Takamaka Tree is a beautiful, slow-growing, evergreen tree with large, glossy leaves. These trees are often found along the coast, close to the beach. The Takamaka reaches a height of 35 metres. The large trunks of the trees often arch over the water’s edge and drop seedlings and fruits; the waves then disperse them.
In local culture, every part of the tree is used, mainly for medicinal purposes: the leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, and bark. The trunk of the tree is often used for timber. The resin of the tree is used to treat wounds and insect bites.
When visiting the beach, be sure to rest in the shade of these iconic trees. One of the most recognisable trees on the island.
Pandanus Palms
Pandanus palms are also known as common screwpine. These trees are native to the Seychelles and other Indian Ocean islands, Madagascar, and Mauritius. The leaves of the tree are linear and create a spiral arrangement on the tree. When dried, the leaves are used to make mats.
Vanilla Orchids
This succulent, also known as the Vanille Sauvage, is a leafless plant that belongs to the orchid family. It is one of Seychelles’ endemic plant species. It grows to a width of 8 cm. It has five flat white petals and contains a vanilla bean. All the flowers on this beautiful plant bloom simultaneously.
Coco de Mer Tree
One of the famous plants in the Seychelles, if not the most famous plant in the Seychelles, is the Coco de Mer Tree. This rare species is endemic to the Seychelles. Shrouded in legends and myths, this iconic plant produces the largest seed in the plant world and has an unusual shape. Found in abundance on Praslin Island, the seed of the Coco de Mer takes 25–50 years to reach maturity. Once mature, the palms begin to flower, creating new seeds that will take another two years to germinate. Its fruit takes between 6 and 10 years to ripen. This slow-growing palm has a long life span.
Stilt Palm
Another iconic plant of Seychelles is the Stilt Palm. This endemic plant in the Seychelles has a peculiar root system. The Stilt Palm, as its name suggests, has adapted to the rocky and often unstable soil of the Seychelles Islands. It has developed a set of secondary roots from the base of the trunk that grow downward. These “stilt” roots form a structure that resembles a tripod. This tripod-like structure helps the tree stand stable on uneven ground. The palm can grow up to 20 metres. It has large fan-shaped leaves that create abundant shade and add to the mesmerising silhouette of the islands.
The leaves are used on the islands to craft the roofs of traditional houses. They’re also used to create hats, baskets, and mats. The sap is fermented and used to create a Creole alcoholic drink.
Praslin Island is filled with gorgeous terrain and exquisite plant species. Book a rental car with Bliss Car Hire and explore the rich fauna and flora of the island at your own pace. Travel off the beaten track and to far-flung corners of the island with ease in your rental vehicle.
Bliss Car Hire is a locally-owned family business. We make it our mission to ensure that guests experience an authentic Seychelles paradise holiday. For more information and to book your vehicle, visit our website.
