Kota: It may come as a surprise to many that the fishtail palm (Caryota urens) fruit, often dismissed as mere food for monkeys, is now in high demand.
While the tree offers numerous benefits, the fruit itself was rarely used locally because it causes skin irritation and itching. Consequently, apart from monkeys, few animals were known to consume it.
However, there is a growing market for this fruit in Kerala. Traders from Kerala, through local intermediaries, are harvesting clusters of these fruits and transporting them by the quintal from areas like Kota.
Used for decoration
The unripe fruit and its hanging clusters are commonly used to decorate canopies (chapparas) for weddings and religious ceremonies. This practice is particularly prevalent in cities like Bengaluru. Similarly, in Kerala, it is widely used for ornamental purposes. Furthermore, traders note that while fishtail palm leaves are a favorite for elephants, the fruit is also processed to reduce its itch-inducing properties and fed to them. In Kerala, the fruit is reportedly purchased for a minimum of 10 INR per kg. Currently, local laborers are hired to harvest the clusters, though finding workers is difficult due to the fruit's tendency to cause severe skin irritation.
Local surprise
In the Kota region, the sight of clusters being harvested from trees along the roadsides and loaded into Kerala-registered vehicles has become a daily occurrence over the past month. Curious locals often stop their vehicles to ask laborers about the specific uses of the fruit before moving on.
The versatile fishtail palm
The wood of this tree is exceptionally strong. In the era of thatched houses, it was used as a primary building material.
The wood was used to make rafters, reapers, windows, doors, and agricultural tools like ploughs.
It was also utilized to create traditional pestles (onake) and water pipes.
Toddy is extracted from the sap of the flower stalk.
The starch extracted from the trunk is used similarly to sago.
While the tree possesses hundreds of medicinal properties, awareness of these benefits has dwindled over time.
Use as elephant fodder
"There is significant demand for the fishtail palm fruit in Kerala. We transport palm tender coconuts from Kerala to the coast and carry these fruits on our return journey. They are used as food for elephants and for decoration." - Satish, fishtail palm fruit trader
Rajesh Ganiga Achladi