(Seychelles News Agency) - The Seychelles islands are popular with vacationers longing for sandy beaches, a leisurely swim and a slower pace of life. Visitors and residents can lie not only under the proverbial palm tree while enjoying that relaxed pace of life, but they can also lie under six actual palm tree species found only in this island nation.

1. Koko-d-mer (Lodoicea maldivica)

The emerald of all of Seychelles' palm trees. The coco-de-mer, legend says, grows beneath the sea. It is also believed to have provided the fruit of the Garden of Eden. Unlike other palm tree species, the male and female flowers are borne on separate trees, and it is believed that the male goes over to the female on stormy nights. Of course, no one has actually seen it. Or if they have they aren't telling. This is the world’s largest seed, growing to half a metre in length and weighing up to 25 kgs.

(Romano Laurence) Photo License: CC-BY

2. Latannyen lat (Verschaffeltia splendida)

Also known as the Stilt Palm, it is considered the most spectacular among palm collectors. It has the three characteristics they look for -- entire leaves, a spiny trunk and developed silt roots. The trunk has spikes to protect young plants from predators and the stilts roots stabilize the tree on slopes.

http://www.pacsoa.org.au/w/index.php?title=Verschaffeltia_splendida

(Charles Morel) Photo License: All Rights Reserved

3. Latannyen Oban (Roscheria melanochaetes)

Named after the 19th-century German explorer Albrecht Roscher, it is the smallest among the solitary palm trees of the Seychelles. It is also most difficult to find as it grows at high altitude (500 to 900metres). When still young the leaves are a colourful coral-red colour.

http://www.arkive.org/palm/roscheria-melanochaetes/

http://botany.cz/en/roscheria-melanochaetes/

(Charles Morel) Photo License: All Rights Reserved

4. Latannyen Milpat (Nephrosperma van-houtteanum)

This species is slender and spiny and sensitive to cold. It grows near streams or on rocky slopes. It can grow up to almost 13 metres

http://botany.cz/en/nephrosperma-van-houtteanum/

(Charles Morel) Photo License: All Rights Reserved

5. Latannyen Fey (Phoenicophorium borsigianum)

Also known as the thief palm, this species likes dry eroded areas. It can withstand full sunlight and periods of drought and can easily establish itself into other different habitats. It is fairly widespread in the Seychelles.

http://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/Phoenicophorium_borsigianum

(Ronley Fanchette) Photo License: CC-BY

6. Latannyen Palmis (Deckenia nobilis)

This is well known in the culinary field as the heart of the palm is edible and made into the millionaire's salad. The name was given because once the palm hearts are harvested the whole tree dies. It went into decline due to unregulated and illegal harvesting. It is under legal protection today.

http://www.palmpedia.net/wiki/Deckenia_nobilis

(Charles Morel) Photo License: All Rights Reserved