"Enhancing Palmyrah Palm: Genetic Resources and Industrial Potential"

 

Rare branched palmyra trees in Batticaloa in Sri Lanka.

Research paper written by London Swaminathan

Post No 1306; Dated 23rd September 2014.

The Asian palmyrah palm, a profitable industrial crop with around 800 uses, requires new biotechnology tools due to its dioecious character, lengthy juvenile phase, and significant yield differences. This review discusses genetic diversity, agriculture issues, and research gaps for efficient use and preservation of palmyrah palm genetic resources.

The practice of tree worship is widespread. To just a few, the Sumerian, Indus, and Maya civilisations exhibit it. However, in India, it is being practiced with the same zeal as it was 2500 years ago. Three trees—Asvatta, Udumbara, and Nyagrodha—are named after the gods in Vishnu Sahasranamam. These trees are all members of the genus Ficus, which includes banyan, fig, and palm trees. In our ancient writings, both secular and religious, we even had individuals called after these trees. The Worship of Palmyra Trees, however, is the unexpected element!

Borassus flabellifer, also known as palmyra, is a native Indian tree. Balarama, Lord Krishna's brother, had it on his flag. The Palmyra flag is mentioned in Tamil texts and Purananauru verse 56. The tree has numerous uses and is called Karpaga Taru.

Major Tamil Nadu temples have "Sthala Vrkshas," meaning local tree of temple, worshipped by Buddhists and Hindus. Some believe palm leaf was used for scripture writing, but Sangam Tamil literature and Mahavamsam mention them as abodes of Gods.

The instrument, called Panai or Pennai in Tamil and Tal or Tad in most Indian languages, was used as an earring for women in some Tamil Nadu temples.

Palmyra tree with 8 branches

During Pandu abhayan's reign in Sri Lanka, a Palmyra tree was erected as a public facility. The tree is worshipped by residents of Neithal landscape and is often invoked by family and city deities. Indian temple sculptures from the second century BCE depict the Palmyra tree in at least eight places, often depicting Balarama's killing of Dhenukasura. Vibhishana gifted Ram a momento with seven golden Palmyra trees, possibly due to his heroic act.

Sambandhar, a Saivite saint, visited Tiruvothur and saw a devotee crying after raising Palmyra trees for community service. The trees were male and did not yield fruits. Sambandhar explained that the trees were male only. Later, he visited the Shiva temple and sang verses in praise of the Lord, which led to the trees blooming and bearing fruits.

The English word Talisman and Tamil word Tali originate from the Sanskrit word Tala for Palmyra leaf. In ancient India, Hindus wore Palmyra leaf ornaments with mantras, such as Thadanga in temples. Brahmin priests asked people to wear Palmyra leaf mantras during eclipses.

Star Anuradha, a stunted Palmyra tree, is a national emblem in countries like Cambodia and plays a significant role in common man's life in Tamil Nadu and Palakkadu.