Edible Parts: Flowers  Fruit  Leaves  Oil  Sap  Seed  Stem
Edible Uses: Drink  Oil  Salt  Sweetener

Fruit - raw or cooked[ 297 , 301 ]. The immature fruits are pickled[ 301 ]. The tender flesh of young fruits is cooked in curry[ 303 ]. The ripe fruit has a yellow edible pulp with a distinctive aroma[ 303 ]. The mature fruit is soaked in water, after which the wiry fibers are extracted, the yellow pulp mixed with rice starch, this is then folded inside a banana leaf and later steam-cooked[ 404 ]. The fruit is a globose to subglobose drupe, 15-20 cm in diameter, produced in large clusters on the tree[ 303 , 335 ]. A sugar-rich sap is obtained from the inflorescence[ 297 ]. It is obtained by first tying the developing inflorescence together to prevent it opening, then beating it daily for several days with a wooden mallet. After a few days, a slice is cut daily from the end of the inflorescence and, almost a week later, the sap begins to flow[ 297 ]. This can continue for several months so long as a fresh slice is removed each day[ 297 ]. Up to 20 litres of sap can be obtained each day from larger trees[ 297 ]. The juice can be drunk, or concentrated by evaporation to form a sweet syrup or a solid palm sugar known as jaggery[ 297 ]. The soft upper 10 metres of the trunk contains some starch, which may be harvested in times of food scarcity[ 303 ]. Immature, jelly-like seeds[ 301 ]. The young solid or gelatinous endosperm of the seeds is eaten fresh or in syrup[ 303 ]. Sprouted seedlings - peeled and eaten raw or cooked[ 301 , 303 ]. They can be sun-dried for later use[ 301 ]. They may be slightly toxic, but are considered a delicacy in some areas[ 303 ]. A salt is made from the leaves[ 46 , 301 ]. Apical bud[ 301 , 303 ]. Eating this bud effectively kills the plant since it is unable to produce side branches[ K ]. Inflorescence - cooked. Added to soups and curries[ 301 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anthelmintic  Antiinflammatory  Antitussive  Diuretic  Dysentery  Laxative  Mouthwash  Skin  
Stimulant  Tonic

Innumerable traditional medicinal uses are known for all parts of the toddy palm[ 303 ]. The young plant is said to relieve biliousness, dysentery and gonorrhea[ 404 ]. Young roots are anthelmintic and diuretic[ 404 ]. A decoction is given in certain respiratory diseases. Dried roots can also be smoked to heal nasal complaints[ 404 ]. The ash of the flower is taken to relieve heartburn and enlarged spleen and liver[ 404 ]. The bark decoction, with salt, is used as a mouth wash[ 404 ]. A charcoal made of the bark serves as a dentifrice[ 404 ]. Sap from the flower stalk is prized as a tonic, diuretic, stimulant, laxative and anti phlegmatic and amoebicide[ 404 ]. Sugar made from this sap is said to counteract poisoning and it is prescribed in the treatment of liver disorders[ 404 ]. When candied, it is a remedy for coughs and various pulmonary complaints[ 404 ]. Fresh toddy, heated to promote fermentation, is bandaged onto all kinds of ulcers[ 404 ]. The apical bud, leaf petioles, and dried male flower spikes all have diuretic activity[ 404 ]. The pulp of the mature fruit relieves dermatitis. It is also useful as an anti-inflammatory and for dropsy and gastric conditions[ 404 ]. Also has potential immuno-suppressive action. Constituents are: gum, fat and albuminoids[ 404 ].

Basketry  Brush  Charcoal  Containers  Fencing  Fibre  Fuel  Oil  Paper  String  Thatching  Wood

Other uses rating: Medium (3/5). Other Uses The leaves have a wide range of uses, such as thatching for house roots and walls, weaving into baskets, mats and many other items[ 46 , 297 , 303 , 404 ]. Thatch made from the leaves is said to last at least 2 years[ 303 ]. The top young leaves are made into hats, boxes to store rice, baskets, fans, etc[ 404 ] A number of different fibres can be obtained from the plant[ 46 ]. A fibre obtained from the leaves is used to make string, rope, fencing etc[ 297 ]. The fibres of young leaves can be woven into delicate patterns[ 303 ]. The fibre obtained from the base of the petioles, or the sheathing leafstalks, is stiff, harsh and wiry. It is used to make brushes etc[ 454 ]. Petioles are often can be split into fibre, to be used for weaving and matting[ 303 ]. A fibre is obtained from the inner bark[ 46 ]. The bark fibre can be used to make strong ropes[ 404 ]. A fibre is obtained from the pericarp of the fruit[ 46 ]. The petioles are often used as poles for fencing[ 303 ]. The dried leaflets were at one time used as a paper to record Indian holy texts[ 46 , 297 ]. The lowest 10 metres of the trunk has a hard and strong wood that is heavy, very durable and very resistant to termites, insect borers and decay fungi. It is good for constructing buildings, bridges etc[ 303 , 404 ]. The somewhat softer middle part of the stem can be split into boards[ 303 ]. The whole trunk can be made into a small boat capable of carrying at least three people[ 404 ]. The wood and leaves are used as fuel[ 303 , 404 ]. The wood can be made into charcoal[ 404 ].Other uses rating: Medium (3/5).

Special Uses

Carbon Farming  Food Forest