Geography of Seychelles - Geology

Geology

The Seychelles is part of the granitic Mascarene Plateau which broke off from the Indian Plate about 65 mya. This rift formation is associated with the Réunion hotspot which is also responsible for Réunion Island and the Deccan Traps in India. Because of its long isolation, the Seychelles hosts several unique species including the Coco de mer, a palm which has the largest seeds of any plant and the world's largest population of giant tortoises.