T A G U A

Tagua nut

Tagua slice

Tagua pod

Tagua Palm Tree

Tagua pile

 Rainforest  Ivory

Tagua, commonly known as vegetable ivory, is the dried seed pod of the Tagua Palm tree. The seeds or nuts, averaging about 1 1/2" to 2" in diameter, have a tough, brown outer skin which when peeled reveals an Ivory-White interior. Revered around the world for its great  resemblance to mammal ivory, it is often referred to as an organic gem.

The trees which produce the seeds are of the palm family and are found all around the world in rainforests located mostly near the Equator. The male palm produces a beautiful tropical flower, while the female produces a most original one made of intertwined filaments which will become the clusters in the making of the fruit. Once the female palm starts producing fruits, it does so on a very regular basis. It is one of those trees which allow the natives and the animals to survive in and around the Rainforest.

Tagua nuts or seeds are contained in a pod, and a set of pods is called a cabeza. When the pod is first taken from the tree, the seeds within that pod are very soft with a gelatinous consistency and are edible. When the fruit ages, the pulp thickens and curdles, forming the nuts.    

Each tree contains several cabezas and it may take several years for the cabeza to fully mature. When completely mature the oval segments of the fruit become very hard and the fruit falls from the tree. Indigenous people of the rainforest then harvest the fruit, which produces an average of 20 lb of vegetal ivory, the same amount found in the tusk of a female elephant.

Ecuador is one of the few countries in the world that supplies the tagua nut. About 1,800 members of the Comuna Rio Santiago-Cayapas now have jobs that depend upon keeping nearby rainforest lands standing. They sustainably harvest tagua nuts from the forest floor when the cabeza containing the nuts ripens and falls.

Once the nuts are harvested and dried, they form a very hard material very similar to animal Ivory in texture and color. The cellular structure and grain is similar to that of elephant ivory, but is more dense and resilient. They are harder and less porous than animal ivory and are a beautiful media to work with. Each Tagua nut is unique. Once the Tagua nut dries and hardens, it is made into beautiful works of art. 

Contrary to animal Ivory, the harvesting of vegetal ivory does not harm the trees, thus allowing for many years of productive growth; its harvest leaves the rainforest untouched. By giving an economic use to the rainforest, Tagua helps to protect the rainforests.The purchase of tagua products helps continue the existence of the tropical rainforests, and keep the ivory where it belongs... on living animals. 

With so much of the world's rainforests in peril, it is critical to the long-term survival and health of our planet that we do all we can to preserve them. While they comprise only 2% of the earth's land mass,they are home to more than 50% of all known animal species and 80% of the earth land vegetation. Unfortunately, this equation is degenerating all too quickly.

Tagua is the intelligent choice for today's world. We encourage you to help save rainforests by considering a Tagua purchase today.