PALMYRA PALM, SEA APPLE, LONTAR

Lontar belongs to the same family as the coconut. This species is of Asia origin and well known for its varied uses in that every part of the palm is useful. In Malaysia, it is found mainly in the northern part. It is not a very tall palm growing to 10-13 meters tall. Is has a beautiful crown of large palmate leave. The fruits are borne in bunches like the coconuts but they are much smaller and rounded; each measures about 10-12.5 cm in diameter and is slightly flattened at both ends. They are colourful, with dark purple skin and a set of green bracts at the base. Unlike the coconut, each fruits has 3 seeds; the fleshy part of each seed resembles the meat of the coconut and there is present also small quantity of water. Both the flesh and water are edible and eaten fresh or made into an ice drink.