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Support our state tree - Panai maram

Palmyra palm trees (Brassus flabelifer) called as Panai maram is the official tree of Tamil Nadu. Palmyra palm trees shares a glorious past with the Tamil people and has been hailed as Karpagam vruksham (divine trees which offers everything one asks for) since no part of it goes waste. In spite of its tremendous benefits Palmyra palm trees were felled indiscriminately as fire wood and sold as low as Rs 100/- for a tree which can yield Rs 25 lakh in its lifetime of 100 years.

Why we should protect Palmyra palm trees ?

Every part of the plant from roots to leaves can be used to prepare over 80 food products and hundreds of crafts.

1. Palm trees provide a variety of food products:

• Neera (Padaneer, Palm Juice) Neera also known as palm nectar is a sweet non alcoholic nutritious drink tapped from the spathes of the tree that is amazingly rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Palmyra palm fruit seeds (called as nungu in Tamil): Palmyra palm fruit seeds have excellent hydration properties, a good balance of minerals and sugar for the body.
• Palmyra palm Sprouts:It is known as Panai Kizhangu or Panangkizhangu in Tamil. Sprouts are high in protein content, rich in dietary fiber, folate and other vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium.
• Palm Jaggery: Palm Jaggery is the most beneficial and nutrient-rich variety of raw jaggery. Palm jaggery is rich in iron. Its regular consumption increases hemoglobin level and treats anemia.
• Palm sugar: Palm sugar is a natural sweetener made by boiling the sap from Palmyra palm flowers until it is reduced to sugar crystals. Palm sugar suitable for diabetics due to its low glycemic index 35, compared to honey at 55 and table sugar at 68.

2. Biodiversity conservation:

Palmyra palm provides a natural shelter for Birds and Bats. Weaver birds build nest and hatch their eggs on these trees. Uprooting of Palmyra palm can lead to birds and other creatures being deprived of their domain of existence.

3. Recharge of ground water:

Palmyra palm trees prevent soil erosion and help recharge the water table. Palmyra palm trees played a major role in water resources management in the ancient times. Unlike, other trees, Palmyra palm's roots go vertically into the ground, which in turn brought the ground water to various levels along the path.

4. Non food products from Palmyra trees include:
Palm Leaf articles - mats, baskets, fans, hats, umbrellas, and as writing materials. All the literature of the old Tamil was written in preserved Palm leaves also known as manuscript. Palm Husks, fiber, karukku and pannadai can be used to make boxes, brooms, brushes, ropes, fans, winnows, and 20 other items which can be used by people for their daily chores. A large variety of handicrafts can also be made not only for personal use but also for the market. The Palmyra palm leaf can also be used for fencing, making thatched dwelling, and its trunk is used in roofs for houses and providing beams. Some of the major beneficial uses of Palmyra trees are discussed below:

5. Stalk and 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. The stalk and trunks are also used as fuel wood.