Babassu Palm - The tree of life

Children drive a load of babassu nuts with a donkey in the countryside of Brazil's northeastern state of Maranhao. The babassu palm, in background, native to this northeastern corner of Brazil, is an important part of the local culture and economy - more than 60 products come from it including oil used for cooking and cosmetics as well as the nutshell which is used as cooking fuel. So many products come from the tree that it is known as the "tree of life."(Australfoto/Douglas Engle)

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Children drive a load of babassu nuts with a donkey in the countryside of Brazil's northeastern state of Maranhao. The babassu palm, in background, native to this northeastern corner of Brazil, is an important part of the local culture and economy - more than 60 products come from it including oil used for cooking and cosmetics as well as the nutshell which is used as cooking fuel. So many products come from the tree that it is known as the "tree of life."(Australfoto/Douglas Engle)

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