Ivory palm: why so called?

Elephant palm is one of the most attractive palm trees in the world, received its interesting name for the similarity of the lower part of the trunk with the elephant leg. Possessing pinnately-dissected large leaves (about 5 meters in length), jubei (its scientific name) is characterized by edible seeds and yellowish-brown fruits, flattened at the base and pointed at the top. Its leaves are used as covering material for the roof, and nutrient juice is extracted from the trunk, which is the basis for the production of syrup with honey taste.

What is the name of an elephant palm tree?

In connection with such characteristics of the jubei, home of which is Chile, is also called "honey palm".

The growth of such an interesting tree is very slow, leaves can look out of the ground for many years. With a two-meter length of the trunk, you can safely say that the age of such a palm tree is at least 35-40 years. It is at this time that the plant enters the period of fruiting. During the period from April to September, the tree can be enriched with only 5-8 leaves, the life expectancy of which on average is 6 years. Adult jubei in height can reach 25 meters. Fruits collected in clusters weighing about 10 kg, are formed straight under the leaves. The most interesting is a fruit resembling a chicken egg in shape and containing from 4 to 9 seeds.

The value of an elephant palm

Inside the fetal seminal cavity, a fluid similar to coconut milk accumulates, which then solidifies into a sweet jelly. Then begins the process of its solidification and transformation into a solid white substance - very strong and outwardly resembling ivory. Masters in contact with such material, even forced to leave in their work a certain amount of shell, to show that this product is not prohibited.

Such a vegetable bone, perfectly polishable and well absorbing paint, is the basis of all kinds of products. These are jewelry, statuettes, handles for umbrellas, chess figures, piano keys and other useful things, traditionally made of ivory. The buttons that go to decorate high-quality expensive clothes are also a derivative of the fruits of the elephant palm, the trade of which was made from the beginning of the 20th century. It was from Ecuador that up to the middle of the last century thousands of tons of fruits of this unique tree were transported; Trade was discontinued due to the appearance of inexpensive plastics that replaced the fruits of the elephant palm. In addition to producing original products, the fruit juice of the plant was boiled and fermented into a unique wine; It is these features of the palm tree that led to its almost complete destruction: every tenth tree suffered.

Jubei - decoration of any site

Yubei - a palm tree, received its name on behalf of the Moorish king Yuba II, - is very popular all over the world and is found on every continent. Elephant palms are beautiful trees for landscape design; Impressive, powerful, planted in one row, they give the impression of a colonnade. Monolithic massive appearance, ease of cultivation, high frost resistance (up to -15 ^о С), exotic appearance are factors for which the elephant palm is respected in all corners of the planet. Jubei Chilean is a thermophilic plant and is able to withstand elevated temperatures; The most comfortable for her are + 28-35 ^o C.

Jubei as an indoor plant

An elephant palm can be grown as a houseplant; In the room prefers light side. For the summer, the container with wood can be taken out on the street or kept on the balcony, protecting from direct sunlight. Watering the plant should be moderate, with a significant reduction in the winter; An excess of moisture in the soil is not recommended, otherwise the tips of the leaves will turn brown. Elephant palm is bad for the upper irrigation, otherwise rotting of the growth point may start. You need to regularly spray the Chilean one, the leaves should be watered (soft and warm) on both sides. Fertilizing the tree is made in the beginning of spring and mid-summer by fertilizers for palm trees.

Ivory Palma: Features of Care

The transplantation of jubei is quite rare, once in five years, when it becomes obvious that the plant is cramped in its pot. Earth jar during transplantation, which must be done with special care, is saved.

The elephant palm is propagated by seeds, which are sown to the soil consisting of sand and leaf land, in the early spring. Germination of seeds persists for 3-4 months. The plant needs to ensure good drainage.

Jubei Chilean, exotic guest, managed to please pests. Most often it is damaged by a spider mite and scutellum, which are required to fight with insecticides.