The Heart of Praslin is home to all the first palm jungle of the Seychelles and has frequently been described as a Garden of Eden thanks to its secluded and mystical character. The park has been placed under protection as far back as 1966, with over 1, 400 trees of the legendary Coco de Mer falling beneath the protection of the Seychelles Government because of their uniqueness and of the location. When the Seychelles were part of the supercontinent Gondwana, a long time before dividing in today’s continents, the region was awash with exceptional plant and animal diversity that can paradoxically be contained by its geographical isolation.
Modern conservation measures aim precisely to weed out invasive plant species, and also those introduced by humans, and also to consistently ensure the initial character of the valley as home to the Coco de Mer. It is possible to follow the traces of prehistory within this jungle area, unchanged for millions of years, and find all the endemic palm species that may be found here. The Coco de Mer, the largest seed in the world, is especially admired by visitors, and is the reason for the National Park’s world heritage site status, which was recognised in 1983 thanks to the Vallé, e de Mai’s excellent exemplification of some feature Seychelles palm forest’.
The Coco de Mer only grows naturally on the islands of Praslin and Curieuse. The oldest specimen of the tree is about 300 years old and 27 m high, with a perfectly straight back and big, fan shaped leaves. The female tree produces a heart shaped fruit up to 25 pound, the largest and heaviest seeds from the world. It’s so big and heavy it can’t be carried by animals, although it falls in water, it’s both spoiled, and it sinks. Due to its distinct form, reminiscent of a female’s pelvis region, the seed once enjoyed a reputation as a coveted treasure in previous royal courts.
Even today, the Coco de Mer is valuable as a souvenir. Nevertheless, anyone who wishes to buy one has to bargain hard. Prices normally range between &euro, 200 and &euro, 600. With regards to the erotic nature of the plant, the male species is equally striking: phallic forms grow many legs from the leafy crowns, therefore it’s no wonder that many suggest that the male and female plants set off together at nighttime. A Darmstadt ecologist found the fact during his research on the plant’s reproductive procedures. Many nutrients are transported throughout the leaves into the foot of the back where dropped seeds germinate and develop. This is reminiscent of maternal attention, and is hence far distinctive in the plant world.
On the other hand, The Coco de Mer palm has become endangered and on the World Conservation Union’s Red List, with numbers falling around 30% in the last 50 years alone. In addition to parasites, fires, and logging, the lucrative trade of the nuts is mainly to blame for this. Officially around 1, 000 units are offered annually, but via poaching and theft the real number is larger. At the Asian market, for instance, demand are particularly high. The fruit flesh is prepared and after that traded there as an aphrodisiac. As individuals believed that the fruits is a mythical under water palm, this greed was early occurrence, and stretches back through the history of the Seychelles.
At the park is the signposted Glacis Noire Trail, which can be appropriate for wheelchair users. This trail guides visitors throughout the 18 hectare site, leading to a series of intriguing plant species. The many giant palm leaves affecting the light, coupled with the noise of the leaves and the breaking of the trees ensures that a beautiful setting you need to take at least 2 hours to research. A commercially accessible booklet in the park’s main building offers additional notes and info, serving as a guide for the park. This is especially useful for opening your ears and eyes to the woods, the geckos, the frogs, snails, and also the big billed bulbul which may all be located in the park.
The Vallée de Mai is also home to the rare Black Parrot, where there are 3 species in the Seychelles and yet another sub species in Madagascar. The birds are very shy and typically can only be observed. Should you want to take pictures and don’t possess a high excellent camera, then you ought to use flash to catch your image. On top of the Glacis Noire it becomes light, and you may enjoy a gorgeous 360°, view from here. A little café, in the park entry invites you to take a breather, and, of course, there are souvenir shops too.
To visit Vallée de Mai and other famous places in Praslin Island, you can contact Tour Agencies such as Angel Tours or hire a car from Elite Car Hire to drive around and see the island’s best attractions.
