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'''''Borassus flabellifer''''', the '''Asian palmyra palm''', '''toddy palm''', '''sugar palm''', or '''Cambodian palm''', is native to the [[Indian subcontinent]] and [[Southeast Asia]], including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is reportedly naturalized in Thailand, Malaysia, Mauritania, Socotra, and parts of China.<ref>[http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/namedetail.do?name_id=23006 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, ''Borassus flabellifer'']</ref> It is a [[Arecaceae|palm tree]], one of the sugar palm group.
'''''Borassus flabellifer''''', the '''Asian palmyra palm''', '''toddy palm''', '''sugar palm''', or '''Cambodian palm''', is native to the [[Indian subcontinent]] and [[Southeast Asia]], including [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Cambodia]], [[Laos]], [[Burma]], [[Vietnam]], [[Malaysia]] and [[Indonesia]]. It is reportedly naturalized in [[Thailand]], [[Mauritania]], [[Socotra]], and parts of [[China]].<ref>[http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/namedetail.do?name_id=23006 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, ''Borassus flabellifer'']</ref> It is a [[Arecaceae|palm tree]], one of the sugar palm group.


==Description==
==Description==
''Borassus flabellifer'' is a robust tree and can live more than 100 years and reach a height of {{convert|30|m}}, with a canopy of green-bluish, leaves several dozen fronds spreading {{convert|3|m|abbr=on}} across. The very large trunk resembles that of the [[coconut tree]] and is ringed with [[leaf scars]]. Young palmyra palms grow slowly in the beginning but then grow faster with age.
''Borassus flabellifer'' is a robust tree and can live more than 100 years and reach a height of {{convert|30|m}}, with a canopy of green-bluish leaves with several dozen fronds spreading {{convert|3|m|abbr=on}} across. The very large trunk resembles that of the [[coconut tree]] and is ringed with [[leaf scars]]. Young palmyra palms grow slowly in the beginning but then grow faster with age. ((Citation needed|date=May 2014}}


===Fruit===
===Fruit===
Line 42: Line 42:
[[File:GntTaatiFruit.jpg|thumb|left|Edible jelly seeds of palmyra palm, [[Guntur]], [[India]]]]
[[File:GntTaatiFruit.jpg|thumb|left|Edible jelly seeds of palmyra palm, [[Guntur]], [[India]]]]
'''Taati Munjalu ([[:te:తాటి ముంజలు|తాటి ముంజలు]]) in [[Telugu language|Telugu]],'''Nungu'''([[:ta:நுங்கு|நுங்கு]]) in [[Tamil language|Tamil]],'''Tale Hannu''' or '''Taati ningu'''([[:kn:ತಾಳೆ ಹಣ್ಣು|ತಾಳೆ ಹಣ್ಣು]] / [[:kn:ತಾಳೆ ನಿಂಗು|ತಾಳೆ ನಿಂಗು]]) in [[Kannada language|Kannada]],
'''Taati Munjalu ([[:te:తాటి ముంజలు|తాటి ముంజలు]]) in [[Telugu language|Telugu]],'''Nungu'''([[:ta:நுங்கு|நுங்கு]]) in [[Tamil language|Tamil]],'''Tale Hannu''' or '''Taati ningu'''([[:kn:ತಾಳೆ ಹಣ್ಣು|ತಾಳೆ ಹಣ್ಣು]] / [[:kn:ತಾಳೆ ನಿಂಗು|ತಾಳೆ ನಿಂಗು]]) in [[Kannada language|Kannada]],
The ''Borassus flabellifer'' plant and fruit is known as '''Tal gaha''' in Sinhala, '''Tala''' in Oriya, '''Tnaot''' ({{lang-km|ត្នោត}}) in [[Khmer language|Khmer]], '''Thốt Nốt''' in [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]], '''Tari''' in [[Hindi language|Hindi]], '''Taal''' (তাল) in [[Bengali language|Bengali]], , '''Pana Nangu'''([[:ml:പനം നൊങ്ക്]])in [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]'''Munjal''' in [[Urdu]], '''Lontar''' in [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]], '''Siwalan''' in [[Javanese language|Javanese]], '''Ta'al''' in [[Madurese language|Madurese]], '''Ton Taan''' ([[:th:ตาล]]) in [[Thai language|Thai]], '''Akadiru''' by the [[Tetum|East Timorese]], '''Tao''' in [[Divehi language|Divehi]], '''Tadfali''' (pronunciation variations are '''Tad-fali''' or '''Taadfali''') in [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], '''Targula''' in [[Konkani language|Konkani]], '''Tadgola (ताडगोळा)''' in [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Myanmar language|Myanmar]], '''Htan Bin''' ([[:my:ထန်းပင်|ထန်းပင်]]), and sometimes '''Ice-apple''' in [[British English]] especially by the immigrants living in India. The fruit measures 4 to 7&nbsp;inches in diameter, has a black [[husk]], and is borne in clusters. The top portion of the fruit must be cut off to reveal the three sweet jelly seed sockets, translucent pale-white, similar to that of the [[lychee]] but with a milder flavor and no pit. The jelly part of the fruit is covered with a thin, yellowish-brown skin. These are known to contain watery fluid inside the fleshy white body. These seed sockets have been the inspiration behind certain sweets [[Sandesh (confectionery)|Sandesh]] called Jalbhara (জলভরা) found in [[Bengal]].
The ''Borassus flabellifer'' plant and fruit is known as '''Tal gaha''' in Sinhala, '''Tala''' in Oriya, '''Tnaot''' ({{lang-km|ត្នោត}}) in [[Khmer language|Khmer]], '''Thốt Nốt''' in [[Vietnamese language|Vietnamese]], '''Tari''' in [[Hindi language|Hindi]], '''Taal''' (তাল) in [[Bengali language|Bengali]], , '''Pana Nangu'''([[:ml:പനം നൊങ്ക്]])in [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]'''Munjal''' in [[Urdu]], '''Lontar''' in [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]], '''Siwalan''' in [[Javanese language|Javanese]], '''Ta'al''' in [[Madurese language|Madurese]], '''Ton Taan''' ([[:th:ตาล]]) in [[Thai language|Thai]], '''Akadiru''' by the [[Tetum|East Timorese]], '''Tao''' in [[Divehi language|Divehi]], '''Tadfali''' (pronunciation variations are '''Tad-fali''' or '''Taadfali''') in [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], '''Targula''' in [[Konkani language|Konkani]], '''Tadgola (ताडगोळा)''' in [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Myanmar language|Myanmar]], '''Htan Bin''' ([[:my:ထန်းပင်|ထန်းပင်]]), and sometimes '''Ice-apple''' in [[British English]] especially by the immigrants living in India.((Citation needed|date=May 2014}} The fruit measures 4 to 7&nbsp;inches in diameter, has a black [[husk]], and is borne in clusters. The top portion of the fruit must be cut off to reveal the three sweet jelly seed sockets, translucent pale-white, similar to that of the [[lychee]] but with a milder flavor and no pit. The jelly part of the fruit is covered with a thin, yellowish-brown skin. These are known to contain watery fluid inside the fleshy white body. These seed sockets have been the inspiration behind certain sweets [[Sandesh (confectionery)|Sandesh]] called Jalbhara (জলভরা) found in [[Bengal]].


The ripened fibrous outer layer of the palm fruits can also be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted. [[Bengalis|Bengali People]] have perfected the art of making various sweet dishes with the yellowish viscous fluidic substance obtained from a ripe palm fruit. These include [[Mustard seed|Mustard]] oil fried Taler Bora (তালের বড়া), or mixed with thickened milk to form Taalkheer (তাল ক্ষীর).
The ripened fibrous outer layer of the palm fruits can also be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted. [[Bengalis|Bengali People]] have perfected the art of making various sweet dishes with the yellowish viscous fluidic substance obtained from a ripe palm fruit. These include [[Mustard seed|Mustard]] oil fried Taler Bora (তালের বড়া), or mixed with thickened milk to form Taalkheer (তাল ক্ষীর).

'''Palmyra Tuber'''
'''Palmyra Tuber'''
Palm shoot is cut and the juice is traditionally collected in hanging earthen pot. The juice so collected before morning is refreshing and light drink called '''[[Thaati Kallu]]''' (తాటి కల్లు) in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], '''[[Neera]] (नीरा)''' in [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and "Pathaneer" ([[:ta:பதநீர்|பதநீர்]]) in [[tamil language|Tamil]] has extremely cool in sensation, and sugary sweet taste. The juice collected in evening or after fermentation becomes sour - is called '''Tadi (ताडी)''' in [[Marathi language|Marathi]]. Tadi is consumed by coastal [[Maharashtra]] mostly by villagers as raw alcoholic beverage.
Palm shoot is cut and the juice is traditionally collected in hanging earthen pots. The juice so collected before morning is refreshing and light drink called '''[[Thaati Kallu]]''' (తాటి కల్లు) in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], '''[[Neera]] (नीरा)''' in [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and "Pathaneer" ([[:ta:பதநீர்|பதநீர்]]) in [[tamil language|Tamil]] is extremely cool in sensation, and has a sugary sweet taste.{{Citation needed|date=May 2014}} The juice collected in evening or after fermentation becomes sour - is called '''Tadi (ताडी)''' in [[Marathi language|Marathi]]. Tadi is consumed by coastal [[Maharashtra]] mostly by villagers as a raw alcoholic beverage. {{Citation needed|date=May 2014}}


A sugary [[Plant sap|sap]], called [[Palm wine|toddy]], can be obtained from the young [[inflorescence]], either male or female ones. [[Palm wine|Toddy]] is fermented to make a beverage called [[Arrack (drink)|arrack]], or it is concentrated to a crude sugar called [[jaggery]] or Taal Patali (তাল পাটালী) in [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and Pana Vellam or Karuppukatti (கருப்புகட்டி or கருபட்டி) in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]. It is called ''Gula Jawa'' ([[Java]]nese sugar) in [[Indonesia]] and is widely used in Javanese cuisine. In addition, the tree sap is taken as a [[laxative]], and medicinal values have been ascribed to other parts of the plant.
A sugary [[Plant sap|sap]], called [[Palm wine|toddy]], can be obtained from the young [[inflorescence]], either male or female. [[Palm wine|Toddy]] is fermented to make a beverage called [[Arrack (drink)|arrack]], or it is concentrated to a crude sugar called [[jaggery]] or Taal Patali (তাল পাটালী) in [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and Pana Vellam or Karuppukatti (கருப்புகட்டி or கருபட்டி) in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]. It is called ''Gula Jawa'' ([[Java]]nese sugar) in [[Indonesia]] and is widely used in Javanese cuisine. In addition, the tree sap is taken as a [[laxative]], and medicinal values {{which?}} have been ascribed to other parts {{which?}} of the plant. {{Citation needed|date=MAy 2014}}


===Sprouts===
===Sprouts===
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The germinated seed's hard shell is also cut open to take out the crunchy kernel, which tastes like a sweeter [[Eleocharis dulcis|water chestnut]]. It is called "thavanai" in Tamil.
The germinated seed's hard shell is also cut open to take out the crunchy kernel, which tastes like a sweeter [[Eleocharis dulcis|water chestnut]]. It is called "thavanai" in Tamil.

The white Kernel of the ripe palm fruit after being left for a few months has got its uses. It is used as an offering in [[Lakshmi Puja]] in various parts of [[Bengal]] and is also eaten raw.
The white Kernel of the ripe palm fruit after being left for a few months has its uses {{which?}}. It is used as an offering in [[Lakshmi Puja]] in various parts of [[Bengal]] and is also eaten raw.


==Leaves==
==Leaves==
Line 64: Line 66:
The 'Borassus flabellifer'' leaves are used for [[thatch]]ing, [[mat]]s, [[basket]]s, [[Fan (implement)|fan]]s, [[hat]]s, [[umbrella]]s, and as [[writing]] material.
The 'Borassus flabellifer'' leaves are used for [[thatch]]ing, [[mat]]s, [[basket]]s, [[Fan (implement)|fan]]s, [[hat]]s, [[umbrella]]s, and as [[writing]] material.


All the literature of the old Tamil was written in preserved Palm leaves also known as [[Palm-leaf manuscript]]. In Tamil Yaedu or Olai chuvadi. It was written with a sharpened iron piece called a Eluthani (எழுத்தாணி in Tamil).
All the literature of the old Tamil was written in preserved Palm leaves also known as [[Palm-leaf manuscript]]. In Tamil Yaedu or Olai chuvadi. It was written with a sharpened iron piece called a Eluthani (எழுத்தாணி in Tamil). {{Citation needed|date=May 2014}}


In [[Indonesia]] the leaves were used in the ancient culture as paper, known as "lontar". Leaves of suitable size, shape, texture, and maturity are chosen and then seasoned by boiling in salt water with [[turmeric]] powder, as a [[preservative]]. The leaves are then dried. When they are dry enough, the face of the leaf is polished with [[pumice]], cut into the proper size, and a hole is made in one corner. Each leaf will make four pages. The writing is done with a stylus and has a very cursive and interconnected style. The leaves are then tied up as sheaves.
In [[Indonesia]] the leaves were used in the ancient culture as paper, known as "lontar". Leaves of suitable size, shape, texture, and maturity were chosen and then seasoned by boiling in salt water with [[turmeric]] powder, as a [[preservative]]. The leaves were then dried. When they were dry enough, the face of the leaf was polished with [[pumice]], cut into the proper size, and a hole made in one corner. Each leaf made four pages. The writing was done with a stylus and had a very cursive and interconnected style. The leaves were then tied up as sheaves. {{Citation needed|date-May 2014}}


The stem of the leaves has thorny edges (called "karukku" in [[tamil language|Tamil]]). Fence can be prepared from these stems by nailing it together.
The stem of the leaves has thorny edges (called "karukku" in [[tamil language|Tamil]]). Fences can be prepared from these stems by nailing them together.{{Citation needed|date-May 2014}}

Skin of the stem can be peeled off and it can be used as rope and also used to weave into cots (''நாற்கட்டில்'' in Tamil). In some part of [[Tamil Nadu]], a variety of rice flour cake (called "Kolukattai") is prepared using the leaf.
The skin of the stem can be peeled off and be used as rope and also used to weave into cots (''நாற்கட்டில்'' in Tamil). In some part of [[Tamil Nadu]], a variety of rice flour cake (called "Kolukattai") is prepared using the leaf.{{Citation needed|date-May 2-14}}


===Trunk===
===Trunk===
The [[Plant stem|stalks]] are used to make fences and also produce a strong, wiry fiber suitable for cordage and brushes. The black [[timber]] is hard, heavy, and durable and is highly valued for [[construction]]. In Cambodia, the trunk are also used to make a [[canoe]].
The [[Plant stem|stalks]] are used to make fences and also produce a strong, wiry fiber suitable for cordage and brushes. The black [[timber]] is hard, heavy, and durable and is highly valued for [[construction]]. In Cambodia, the trunks are also used to make [[canoe]]s. {{Citation needed|date-May 2014}}


The young plants are cooked as a [[vegetable]] or roasted and pounded to make [[flour|meal]].
The young plants are cooked as a [[vegetable]] or roasted and pounded to make [[flour|meal]]. {{Citation needed|date-May 2-14}}


===Crown===
===Crown===
When the crown of the tree is removed, the segment from which the leaves grow out is an edible cake. This is called ''thati adda''(తాటి అడ్డ/తాటి మట్ట) in Telugu or ''pananchoru'' in Tamil.
When the crown of the tree is removed, the segment from which the leaves grow out is an edible cake. This is called ''thati adda''(తాటి అడ్డ/తాటి మట్ట) in Telugu or ''pananchoru'' in Tamil.

'''Palmyra Tuber'''
'''Palmyra Tuber'''
Palmyra tuber has 98% fibre that means up to 95% is starch content which will be not suitable for sugar patients in large amounts.
Palmyra tuber has 98% fibre which means up to 95% is starch content.


==Cultivation==
==Cultivation==
''Borassus flabellifer'' has a growth pattern, very large size, and clean habits that make it an attractive [[ornamental tree]], cultivated for planting in [[garden]]s and parks as [[landscape]] palm species.
''Borassus flabellifer'' has a growth pattern and very large size which makes it an attractive [[ornamental tree]], cultivated for planting in [[garden]]s and parks as [[landscape]] palm species.


==Cultural symbolism==
==Cultural symbolism==
[[File:Angkor-011 hg.jpg|thumb|upright|''Borassus flabellifer'' in Cambodia, 1965.]]
[[File:Angkor-011 hg.jpg|thumb|upright|''Borassus flabellifer'' in Cambodia, 1965.]]
*The palmyra tree is the official tree of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Highly respected in [[Tamil people|Tamil]] culture, it is called "karpaha Veruksham" ("celestial tree") because all its parts without exception have a use. Panaiveriyamman, named after ''panai'', the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] name for the Palmyra palm, is an ancient tree deity related to [[fertility]] linked to this palm. This deity is also known as Taalavaasini, a name that further relates her to all types of palms.<ref>Heinrich Zimmer, ''Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization.'' (1946)</ref>
*The palmyra tree is the official tree of [[Tamil Nadu]]. Highly respected in [[Tamil people|Tamil]] culture, it is called "karpaha Veruksham" ("celestial tree") because all its parts have a use. Panaiveriyamman, named after ''panai'', the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] name for the Palmyra palm, is an ancient tree deity related to [[fertility]] linked to this palm. This deity is also known as Taalavaasini, a name that further relates her to all types of palms.<ref>Heinrich Zimmer, ''Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization.'' (1946)</ref>


*The Asian palmyra palm is a symbol of [[Cambodia]] where it is a very common palm, found all over the country. It grows also near the [[Angkor Wat]] temple.<ref>[http://www.khemarinn.wordpress.com The Cambodian palm tree]</ref>
*The Asian palmyra palm is a symbol of [[Cambodia]] where it is a very common palm, found all over the country. It also grows near the [[Angkor Wat]] temple.<ref>[http://www.khemarinn.wordpress.com The Cambodian palm tree]</ref>


*In [[Indonesia]] the Palmyra tree is the symbol of [[South Sulawesi]] province.
*In [[Indonesia]] the Palmyra tree is the symbol of [[South Sulawesi]] province.

Revision as of 11:56, 21 May 2014

Borassus flabellifer
Asian palmyra palm, Sugar palm
Borassus flabellifer
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Monocots
(unranked):
Commelinids
Order:
Arecales
Family:
Arecaceae
Genus:
Borassus
Species:
B. flabellifer
Binomial name
Borassus flabellifer
Synonyms[1]
List
    • Borassus flabelliformis L.
    • Borassus flabelliformis Roxb.
    • Borassus sundaicus Becc.
    • Borassus tunicatus Lour.
    • Lontarus domestica Gaertn. nom. illeg.
    • Pholidocarpus tunicatus (Lour.) H.Wendl.
    • Thrinax tunicata (Lour.) Rollisson

Borassus flabellifer, the Asian palmyra palm, toddy palm, sugar palm, or Cambodian palm, is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is reportedly naturalized in Thailand, Mauritania, Socotra, and parts of China.[2] It is a palm tree, one of the sugar palm group.

Description

Borassus flabellifer is a robust tree and can live more than 100 years and reach a height of 30 metres (98 ft), with a canopy of green-bluish leaves with several dozen fronds spreading 3 m (9.8 ft) across. The very large trunk resembles that of the coconut tree and is ringed with leaf scars. Young palmyra palms grow slowly in the beginning but then grow faster with age. ((Citation needed|date=May 2014}}

Fruit

Main article: Palmyra fruit

Fruits of Borassus flabellifer, Vietnam.
Borassus Flabellifer drink, Tamil Nadu, India.
Edible jelly seeds of palmyra palm, Guntur, India

Taati Munjalu (తాటి ముంజలు) in Telugu,Nungu(நுங்கு) in Tamil,Tale Hannu or Taati ningu(ತಾಳೆ ಹಣ್ಣು / ತಾಳೆ ನಿಂಗು) in Kannada, The Borassus flabellifer plant and fruit is known as Tal gaha in Sinhala, Tala in Oriya, Tnaot (Template:Lang-km) in Khmer, Thốt Nốt in Vietnamese, Tari in Hindi, Taal (তাল) in Bengali, , Pana Nangu(ml:പനം നൊങ്ക്)in MalayalamMunjal in Urdu, Lontar in Indonesian, Siwalan in Javanese, Ta'al in Madurese, Ton Taan (th:ตาล) in Thai, Akadiru by the East Timorese, Tao in Divehi, Tadfali (pronunciation variations are Tad-fali or Taadfali) in Gujarati, Targula in Konkani, Tadgola (ताडगोळा) in Marathi, Myanmar, Htan Bin (ထန်းပင်), and sometimes Ice-apple in British English especially by the immigrants living in India.((Citation needed|date=May 2014}} The fruit measures 4 to 7 inches in diameter, has a black husk, and is borne in clusters. The top portion of the fruit must be cut off to reveal the three sweet jelly seed sockets, translucent pale-white, similar to that of the lychee but with a milder flavor and no pit. The jelly part of the fruit is covered with a thin, yellowish-brown skin. These are known to contain watery fluid inside the fleshy white body. These seed sockets have been the inspiration behind certain sweets Sandesh called Jalbhara (জলভরা) found in Bengal.

The ripened fibrous outer layer of the palm fruits can also be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted. Bengali People have perfected the art of making various sweet dishes with the yellowish viscous fluidic substance obtained from a ripe palm fruit. These include Mustard oil fried Taler Bora (তালের বড়া), or mixed with thickened milk to form Taalkheer (তাল ক্ষীর).

Palmyra Tuber Palm shoot is cut and the juice is traditionally collected in hanging earthen pots. The juice so collected before morning is refreshing and light drink called Thaati Kallu (తాటి కల్లు) in Telugu, Neera (नीरा) in Marathi and "Pathaneer" (பதநீர்) in Tamil is extremely cool in sensation, and has a sugary sweet taste.[citation needed] The juice collected in evening or after fermentation becomes sour - is called Tadi (ताडी) in Marathi. Tadi is consumed by coastal Maharashtra mostly by villagers as a raw alcoholic beverage. [citation needed]

A sugary sap, called toddy, can be obtained from the young inflorescence, either male or female. Toddy is fermented to make a beverage called arrack, or it is concentrated to a crude sugar called jaggery or Taal Patali (তাল পাটালী) in Bengali and Pana Vellam or Karuppukatti (கருப்புகட்டி or கருபட்டி) in Tamil. It is called Gula Jawa (Javanese sugar) in Indonesia and is widely used in Javanese cuisine. In addition, the tree sap is taken as a laxative, and medicinal values [which?] have been ascribed to other parts [which?] of the plant. [citation needed]

Sprouts

Main article: Palmyra sprout

In the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar India, and in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, the seeds are planted and made to germinate and the fleshy stems (below the surface) are boiled or roasted and eaten. It is very fibrous and nutritious, Thegalu (తేగలు) or Gaygulu (గేగులు) or Gengulu (గెంగులు)(especially in Telangana areas) in Telugu and known as Panai Kizhangu or Panangkizhangu (பனங்கிழங்கு) in Tamil, and htabin myiq (ထန်းပင်မြစ်) in Myanmar.

The germinated seed's hard shell is also cut open to take out the crunchy kernel, which tastes like a sweeter water chestnut. It is called "thavanai" in Tamil.

The white Kernel of the ripe palm fruit after being left for a few months has its uses [which?]. It is used as an offering in Lakshmi Puja in various parts of Bengal and is also eaten raw.

Leaves

Female tree, showing foliage crown with fruit
Male tree with flower
Sugar palm as seen in Mumbai,India

The 'Borassus flabellifer leaves are used for thatching, mats, baskets, fans, hats, umbrellas, and as writing material.

All the literature of the old Tamil was written in preserved Palm leaves also known as Palm-leaf manuscript. In Tamil Yaedu or Olai chuvadi. It was written with a sharpened iron piece called a Eluthani (எழுத்தாணி in Tamil). [citation needed]

In Indonesia the leaves were used in the ancient culture as paper, known as "lontar". Leaves of suitable size, shape, texture, and maturity were chosen and then seasoned by boiling in salt water with turmeric powder, as a preservative. The leaves were then dried. When they were dry enough, the face of the leaf was polished with pumice, cut into the proper size, and a hole made in one corner. Each leaf made four pages. The writing was done with a stylus and had a very cursive and interconnected style. The leaves were then tied up as sheaves. [citation needed]

The stem of the leaves has thorny edges (called "karukku" in Tamil). Fences can be prepared from these stems by nailing them together.[citation needed]

The skin of the stem can be peeled off and be used as rope and also used to weave into cots (நாற்கட்டில் in Tamil). In some part of Tamil Nadu, a variety of rice flour cake (called "Kolukattai") is prepared using the leaf.[citation needed]

Trunk

The stalks are used to make fences and also produce a strong, wiry fiber suitable for cordage and brushes. The black timber is hard, heavy, and durable and is highly valued for construction. In Cambodia, the trunks are also used to make canoes. [citation needed]

The young plants are cooked as a vegetable or roasted and pounded to make meal. [citation needed]

Crown

When the crown of the tree is removed, the segment from which the leaves grow out is an edible cake. This is called thati adda(తాటి అడ్డ/తాటి మట్ట) in Telugu or pananchoru in Tamil.

Palmyra Tuber Palmyra tuber has 98% fibre which means up to 95% is starch content.

Cultivation

Borassus flabellifer has a growth pattern and very large size which makes it an attractive ornamental tree, cultivated for planting in gardens and parks as landscape palm species.

Cultural symbolism

Borassus flabellifer in Cambodia, 1965.
  • The palmyra tree is the official tree of Tamil Nadu. Highly respected in Tamil culture, it is called "karpaha Veruksham" ("celestial tree") because all its parts have a use. Panaiveriyamman, named after panai, the Tamil name for the Palmyra palm, is an ancient tree deity related to fertility linked to this palm. This deity is also known as Taalavaasini, a name that further relates her to all types of palms.[3]
  • The Asian palmyra palm is a symbol of Cambodia where it is a very common palm, found all over the country. It also grows near the Angkor Wat temple.[4]
  • The palm is also common in Thailand, especially in the northeast or Isaan area, where it is a prevailing part of the landscape.
  • This plant has captured the imagination of Bengalis in the words of Rabindranth Tagore whose nursery rhyme 'Taal Gaach ek Paye daariye' (তাল গাছ এক পায়ে দাড়িয়ে..) in Sahaj Path (সহজ পাঠ) is a staple reading material in most schools in West Bengal

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Borassus flabellifer.

References

  1. ^ "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved May 16, 2014.
  2. ^ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Borassus flabellifer
  3. ^ Heinrich Zimmer, Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization. (1946)
  4. ^ The Cambodian palm tree
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