Gomuchi (Sugar palm) - A plant native to the northern shores of the Indian Ocean.
It is believed that initially it grew only in the Malay Archipelago, from where it spread further thanks to people.
general description
Compared with other types of palm trees, Gomuti does not have a high trunk, and trunk height from 10 to 20 meters considered average.
Leaves palm trees resemble the feathers of a giant bird, up to one and a half meters wide and up to ten meters long.
In terms of benefits to humansPalm is an extremely rich source of various raw materials. The main reason for the mass cultivation of this plant is the extraction of sugar from the juice of the inflorescences. About one fifth of the total juice is sugar, which is extracted by evaporation of the liquid.
Just imagine: from one hectare of palm plantation, the sugar harvest is up to 10 tons!
Those trees that do not give enough juice, use otherwise. They are cut down, and the wood and leaf fibers are sent for recycling.
The wood is allowed on building houses and making tiles. Strong fiber sheet rods with the ability to resist rotting in water are used in the manufacture of insulation for underwater communications (cables, pipes) and in the construction of bridges, braiding piles with them. Fiber also weave fishing nets, baskets and other household items.
A photo
Photos of sugar palm and its fruits.
Fruits and their application
The fruits of the palm tree Gomuti have about 7 cm in diameter and resemble apples, whence their alternative name goes - ice apples. In an immature state, they have a greenish color, and the color of ripe "apples" is a mixture of dark brown and yellow.
Fruit Composition replete with nutrients! Vitamins A, C, and B. A large number contains the elements potassium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, and many others. Eating fruits provides normalization of stool, normalizes the balance of sugar in the blood, improves digestion. Due to these beneficial properties, fruits are recommended for use by people with digestive problems and pregnant women.
In addition, due to its remarkable composition, "ice apples" perfectly remove thirst, as well as are an excellent tool for losing excess weight.
Care
First of all, it is worth remembering that sugar palm is a tropical plant, and therefore does not like cold. Therefore, it should be placed in the room so that direct air flows around it. At the same time, it is also impossible to place a palm tree next to heating devices, since they dry up the air strongly, which is detrimental to a tropical plant.
To ensure sufficient moisture It is recommended to hang wet rags or towels next to the plant that will moisten the air. Spray the leaves and watering should be regularly. But in no case can not fill the roots! In the closed space of the pot, with a lack of air in the soil, this can lead to rotting of the roots and the death of the plant.
Since in nature, this type of palm is medium in height and is hidden in the shade of the older brothers during the daytime, excess sunlight can lead to plant fading. The place for the Gomuchi palm must be chosen in such a way that it falls predominantly on it. refracted (reflected) sunlight.
Top dressing palm trees with nutrient mixtures should be in summer, at the most active period for the plant. There are no specific requirements for dressing; ordinary mixtures are quite suitable.
Diseases and pests
Diseases of room sugar palm are practically not terrible, while pests can cause significant harm to it.
The main pests are scale insects, spider mites and mealybugs.
Shchitovka appear as brown growths on the stems. Sucking the sap from the plant, they cause the leaves to fall and wither. It is quite simple to get rid of them - it is enough to wipe the infected plant surface with soapy water and treat it with a weak solution of any antiparasitic drug.
Appearance tick most often associated with insufficient air humidity and poor leaf processing. The presence of the tick by arachnoid white bloom on the leaf surface is manifested. The tick is displayed in the same way as the scythe. However, in his case it is much easier to prevent the parasite from appearing, carefully observing the spraying regime.
Mealybug affects the whole plant - from root to leaf. If the leaves began to curl, wither and fall - then this is the work of the worm. It is also quite simple to bring it out, it is good enough to process the whole plant and carefully spray it on.
Conclusion
Sugar palm tree is a wonderful home plant. Combining sufficient unpretentiousness and the spirit of tropical forests, it is perfect for those who want to get an exotic plant.
