The Hindu, October 5, 2014
Palmyra trees, which used to define the landscape of the
areas in Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad bordering the neighbouring
Tamil Nadu, are fast becoming a rarity. The tall palms with their
fan-shaped leaves are steadily declining in numbers, a report prepared
by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) reveals.
The
shift to other crops, difficulty in finding tree climbers, and the
disappearance of the once-thriving palmyra-based industries have spelt
the death knell for the Asian palmyra palm (
Borassus flabellifer
) in Kerala. Growing up to 30 m, the hardy species has been known to survive extreme heat conditions and live up to 100 years.
Report sought
The
KSBB took up the study after the Assembly Committee on Environment
headed by C.P. Mohammed sought a report from the government on the
threats faced by palmyra trees in the State and the conservation
measures to be adopted.
The report notes that the
population of the tree is clearly on the decline. Once an integral part
of the rural livelihood, palmyra-based products are losing their appeal,
despite their unique dietary and nutritional qualities, says K.P.
Laladhas, member secretary, KSBB.
Qualities of palmyra
Observing
that the palmyra was largely disease-free and required little or no
maintenance, the report suggests that it could be promoted as a key
species to combat global warming and climate change.
It
points out that the medicinal properties ascribed to many parts of the
palmyra could be exploited effectively to enhance appeal and create a
demand for products such as palmyra toddy, akkani (a sweet drink made
from the processed sap), nongu (palmyra nut) palm sugar, and palm
jaggery.
Palmyra garden
The
KSBB has mooted the creation of a palmyra botanical garden in Palakkad
district to conserve and propagate the species. Mr. Laladhas said the
garden could be set up with the assistance of panchayat-level
biodiversity management committees. He said the palm could also be
planted along roadsides.
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