A Miraculous Palm-tree.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 31 July 1914, Page 7

A Miraculous Palm-tree.

A marvellous tree which grows like a weed in Brazil, but the like of which is unknown in any other part of the world, is the carnahuba palm (Copernicia cerferi), which grows uncultivated there.

Perhaps in no other region is a tree to be found that can be employed for such varied and useful purposes. It resists intense and protracted droughts, and is always green and vigorous. Its roots produce the same medicinal .^effects as sarsaparilla. Its stem affords stronglight fibres, which acquire a beautiful lustre, and serves also for joists,' rafters, and g other building materials, as well as for stakes for fences. From parts of the tree wine and vinegar are made. It yields also a saccharine substance, as well as a starch resembling sago. Tn periods of famine, caused bjr protracted droughts, the nutritious substances obtained from it are of immense benefit to the poorer classes. Its fruit is used for feeding cattle. The pulp has an agreeable taste, and the nut, which is oleanginous and emulsive, is sometimes used as a substitute for coffee. Of the wood of the stem musical instruments, water^tubes, and pumps are made. The pith is an excellent substitute for cork. From the stem a white liquid, similar to the milk of the cocoanut, and a flour resembling maizena may be extracted. Of the straw, hats, baskets, brooms, and mats are made. A considerable quantity of this straw is shipped to Europe, and a part of it returns to • Brazil manufactured into hats. The straw is also used for thatching houses. Moreover, salt is extracted from carnahuba, and likewise an alkali used in the manufacture of common soap. But from an industrial and commercial point of view the most valuable product of the tree is the wax obtained from its leaves.