Babassu Palm - The tree of life

Babassu palm trees grow in the countryside of the northeastern Brazilian state of Maranhao. The babassu palm, 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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Babassu palm trees grow in the countryside of the northeastern Brazilian state of Maranhao. The babassu palm, 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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