tagua

Tagua is the common name for the seeds of certain palm species in the genus Phytelephas, native to tropical forests of northern South America. The seeds, or tagua nuts, yield a hard, ivory-like endosperm when dried, a material historically known as vegetable ivory. The resulting material is pale to creamy white, takes a high polish, and can be carved, dyed, or inlaid in jewelry, buttons, figurines, and other crafts.

Harvesting and processing: The nuts are collected from trees or from the forest floor, dried, and the dense endosperm is separated and shaped into a hard, ivory-like material that accepts polish and dye. The material can be carved, molded, and cut into buttons, beads, figurines, or inlays.

Distribution and production: Tagua palms are found in tropical regions of South America, with major commercial production in Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. The crop is often harvested by smallholder cooperatives who gather fallen nuts and process them into beads, buttons, or other goods.

Ecology and sustainability: As a renewable resource, tagua can be harvested without felling trees; however, overexploitation or habitat loss threatens palm populations. Sustainable harvesting, fair-trade processing, and agroforestry practices are promoted to protect forests and provide income for local communities.

See also: Vegetable ivory.