The nutrient economy of Lodoicea maldivica, a monodominant palm producing the world's largest seed

Lodoicea maldivica, the palm producing the world's largest seed, demonstrates remarkable nutrient efficiency to support its high reproductive output despite growing in nutrient-poor soils. Research at the Vallée de Mai UNESCO Site revealed that male and female palms allocate significant amounts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to reproduction, with P costs far exceeding those for vegetative growth. A unique leaf structure acts as a funnel, intercepting particulate material—particularly pollen—which is flushed to the base of the trunk during rainfall, enhancing nutrient supply for both the palm and its dispersal-limited offspring. This study highlights shared traits with other monodominant tropical trees while emphasizing Lodoicea's distinctive features, suggesting an evolutionary history under stable conditions.

Edwards, P. J., Fleischer‐Dogley, F., & Kaiser‐Bunbury, C. N. (2015). The nutrient economy of Lodoicea maldivica, a monodominant palm producing the world’s largest seed. New Phytologist, 206(3), 990–999. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13272