The islands of the Seychelles host a unique mix of granite and coral landscapes where plant life has evolved in isolation. Along sandy coasts and upland forests you’ll find species adapted to salt spray, high rainfall and tight soils, each playing a role in local ecosystems and island culture.
There are 14 The Seychelles’ native plants, ranging from Coastal laurel (Alexandrian laurel) to Seychelles sal. For each, you’ll find below Scientific name,Habitat,Conservation status to help identify and learn about them; the list moves from familiar shore species to rarer forest endemics, so you’ll find below concise, comparable entries.
How can I identify these plants when I visit the islands?
Look for habitat clues first (coastal shrub vs. inland forest), then note leaf shape, bark texture, flowers or fruits and overall habit; many field guides and local signage match those features to Scientific name, making quick ID easier—bring a camera and compare images later if unsure.
Which of these species are most at risk and how can I help?
Some island endemics face threats from habitat loss and invasive species; check the Conservation status in the list, avoid removing plants or seeds, stick to marked trails, support local conservation groups, and follow biosecurity advice to limit introductions.
The Seychelles’ Native Plants
| Name | Scientific name | Habitat | Conservation status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coco de Mer | Lodoicea maldivica | Granitic forest; endemic to Praslin and Curieuse | Endangered |
| Jellyfish tree | Medusagyne oppositifolia | Primary moist granite forest; historically Mahé | Critically Endangered |
| Seychelles ebony | Diospyros egrettarum | Lowland granitic forest remnants on Mahé, Praslin, La Digue | Critically Endangered |
| Pride of Seychelles | Trochetia boutoniana | Granite slopes and woodland; restricted to several granitic islands and protected reserves | Endangered |
| Seychelles pitcher plant | Nepenthes pervillei | Rocky outcrops, montane and upland forest on granitic islands (Mahé, Silhouette, Frégate) | Vulnerable |
| Latanier palm | Phoenicophorium borsigianum | Understorey of granitic forests across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue | Vulnerable |
| Seychelles sal | Vateria sechellarum | Lowland granitic forest remnants on Mahé and Praslin | Critically Endangered |
| Grey mangrove | Avicennia marina | Fringe mangroves, sheltered bays and tidal flats across the islands | Least Concern |
| Red mangrove | Rhizophora mucronata | Mangrove swamps, sheltered lagoons and estuarine margins across Seychelles | Least Concern |
| Sea grape | Coccoloba uvifera | Coastal strand, beaches and dunes on many islands | Least Concern |
| Naupaka | Scaevola taccada | Coastal strand, rocky shores and dunes across granitic and coral islands | Least Concern |
| Sea hibiscus | Hibiscus tiliaceus | Coastal woodland and strand; widespread on granitic and coralline islands | Least Concern |
| Coastal laurel (Alexandrian laurel) | Calophyllum inophyllum | Coastal forest, rocky headlands and shoreline thickets | Least Concern |
| Pandanus (Seychelles screw pine) | Pandanus sechellarum | Coastal cliffs, lowland forest and rocky shorelines on granitic islands | Endangered |
Images and Descriptions
Coco de Mer
A giant, endemic palm famed for producing the world’s largest seed (double-lobed nut). Found in shaded valley forest; striking fan leaves and towering trunks. Best seen in Vallée de Mai (Praslin); protected and emblematic of Seychelles conservation.
Jellyfish tree
A strange, rare tree with fleshy fruits and drooping flowers that resemble jellyfish. Survives in tiny forest fragments on Mahé; extremely few wild individuals remain. A conservation priority and dramatic example of island rarity and vulnerability.
Seychelles ebony
A small to medium dark-wooded tree once widespread; glossy leaves and small flowers. Now reduced to refuge patches and reserves. Historically overcut for timber, it’s a flagship species in native forest restoration programs.
Pride of Seychelles
The national flower: a small shrub or tree with showy pink to white blossoms. Grow in sheltered slopes and forest edges; cultivated in gardens but wild populations are limited and actively conserved in reserves.
Seychelles pitcher plant
A charming endemic carnivorous pitcher plant with tubular traps that catch insects. Grows on shaded rocks and mossy slopes; a distinctive, small climber prized by botanists and protected in native forest patches.
Latanier palm
A graceful, single-stemmed palm with pinnate leaves and clustered fruit. Common in native forest understory but vulnerable to habitat loss and invasive species. Look for it on shaded slopes and in protected valleys.
Seychelles sal
A large, slow-growing canopy tree with leathery leaves and hard timber. Extremely restricted and disappearing from lowland forest fragments. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and replanting to prevent extinction.
Grey mangrove
A hardy mangrove with pencil roots and salt-excreting leaves, forming coastal fringe forests. Easy to spot in sheltered lagoons and estuaries; critical for shoreline protection, nursery habitat and coastal biodiversity.
Red mangrove
A distinctive mangrove with stilt roots and glossy leaves, forming dense stands along sheltered coasts. Vital for stabilizing sediments, protecting shores and supporting fish nurseries; commonly encountered in mangrove reserves.
Sea grape
A tough, spreading shrub or small tree with leathery round leaves and grape-like fruit clusters. Common on beaches and dunes, providing wind and sand stabilization; easy to recognize and often seen along shorelines.
Naupaka
A sprawling shrub with fleshy leaves and distinctive half-flowers. A salt-tolerant pioneer of beaches and strand vegetation; helpful for identifying native coastal plant communities and stabilizing sands after storms.
Sea hibiscus
A fast-growing tree with heart-shaped leaves and yellow-to-orange hibiscus flowers. Frequently planted but also native along sheltered coasts; notable for its salt tolerance and flaky bark on sheltered shores.
Coastal laurel (Alexandrian laurel)
A broad-leaved coastal tree with shiny leaves and fragrant white flowers, producing oily seeds used traditionally. Occurs on exposed headlands and sheltered coastal forest; valued for shade, coastal stability and traditional uses.
Pandanus (Seychelles screw pine)
An endemic screw pine with stilt roots and spiky spiralled leaves, forming dense thickets on rocky coasts and cliffs. Important for native habitat structure and wildlife; restricted populations require habitat protection.
