Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)

Oil palm plantation

Image – tropical.theferns.info

The Oil palm It is a very beautiful species but lately and more and more it is looking with bad eyes for the reasons that I will tell you below. This plant has a fast growth and is one of those that “make” garden; In other words, from the first day you plant it in the ground, you will see how the design of your particular paradise has improved.

Its leaf crown is very elegant, and also under it you can protect yourself from the direct sun while you rest reading a good book or enjoying the landscape. Dare to know her.

Origin and characteristics

Elaeis guineensis

The oil palm, whose scientific name is Elaeis guineensisis a palm native to the hot tropical region, where it grows at altitudes below 500 meters above sea level. It reaches a height of more than 40 metersand its crown is composed of pinnate leaves that grow proud, slightly arched.

The flowers are grouped in axillary inflorescences. Once they are pollinated, the fruits develop, which are leathery and round drupes, inside which we will find a seed.

Can live more than 100 yearsbut it is not allowed to live more than 25 if it is cultivated for oil. A shame.

What are their cares?

Oil palm seeds

If you want to get a copy, we recommend providing the following care:

  • Location: outside, in full sun.
  • Earth: rich in organic matter, with good drainage, and slightly acidic (pH 5 to 6).
  • Irrigation: frequent. You have to water 2-3 times a week in summer and every 4 days the rest of the year.
  • Subscriber: from spring to summer with a specific fertilizer for palm trees, or with organic fertilizers such as guano.
  • Planting time: in spring.
  • Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
  • Rusticity: sensitive to frost.

Why should we stop consuming products that contain palm oil?

The fruits of the oil palm contain an oil, known as palm oil, which is used for processed foods and in cosmetics. But nobody tells us what is behind it. And what is there?

  • Deforestation: You will find more information in this article about El Periodico.
  • Human rights abuse: Click here to know more about this topic.
  • Climate Change: The burning of wood from trees that were once part of a forest now emit huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. More information here!.

Making my own a phrase from a well-known defender of animals, I will end the article by saying:

If there is no demand, there is no business.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)

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