NUTTY ABOUT NATURE

“Fond of Fronds”, PALM TREES…..part 1

One of the most identifiable trees in the world is the Palm Tree. It’s stark trunk is topped with a plume of shiny green fronds that evoke a sense of joy, of calm and of paradise. I’ve even been known to hang a hammock between two of them and settle in with a good book and a pina colada.

We associate Palms with the tropics and with a laid-back beach life. So, no wonder we love to incorporate this wonderful evergreen tree and its image into our lives.

There are over 2,000 varieties of Palms (can you believe it ????) and they can be found in deserts as well as rain forests. Many of these trees bear fruit or nuts that are widely consumed. Not only coconuts, but acai fruit, dates, coconut oil and palm oil all are products of these plants from the Arecaceae family.

Coconut fragrance has become my signature scent. I started using Key West Aloe’s Coconut perfume about 20 years ago and I haven’t tired of it yet.

I also swear by Coconut BodyButter sold at Trader Joe’s. Several seasons ago, there was a rumor circulating that TJ was going under. I immediately dashed to my local store and nabbed as many of these tubs as I could. Well, as I said…it was a rumor. Thankfully, TJ is still in business and going strong, and I have enough Body Butter to last 10 years.

Palm trees have been used for hundreds of years as thatching on tropical isle dwellings. Once a framework has been constructed of wood or bamboo, the palm fronds are thickly woven in from bottom to top. Kind of looks like a fun project…..one time…..with lots of help….ummm, maybe just watching while sipping a cool iced tea.