Babassu palm

The Babassu palm, also known by the scientific names Attalea martiana, Attalea oleifera or Attalea speciosa, is one of the most important plants for human society. This plant is native to South America, specifically the Amazon region, where it has been used for centuries by local tribes for its abundance of useful products. The typical characteristic of the babassu palm is its perfect adaptability to different environmental conditions - it can grow in deep tropical forests as well as in open savannahs.

The main products in which the babassu palm is used are food and cosmetic products. The fruit of this palm produces babassu oil, which is used in the Amazon region as an edible oil in local cuisine. Internationally, this oil is mainly used in the cosmetics industry, where it is used in moisturisers, conditioners, soaps and other personal care products. It is also gaining importance in industry, where it is used in the manufacture of soaps and cleaning products. Last but not least, the babassu palm is also used for building material, especially in the form of roofing material, and as timber for furniture. The paradigm of sustainable management is that all parts of the plant are used - it is truly a multi-commodity plant.