Oil Palm

OIL PALM ESSENCE (Elaeis guineensis)
Solar Plexus Chakra

Motto: “I nourish and protect.”

Origin: West Africa

Traditional herbal uses: Called “Tengo” in the Mandinka language in Gambia, this palm tree grows to a height of 5-30 metres. The tree has protruding pits on the trunk and a frond of leaves at the top. Palm oil is extracted from the fruit pulp, while the seed kernel oil is used in making margarine, coffee whitener, ice cream, cosmetics, soap and candles of poor quality. The milky sap is tapped to make palm wine. The leaves and trunk are also used for building materials.

Energetic properties:
-Encourages the desire to eat
-Encourages a sense of security

This tree stands near the front entrance of the botanical garden. It is not only useful for humans – providing food, (alcoholic) drink, shelter and light, it was also used by the birds in the garden and a giant golden pothos vine which twined gracefully around it.