GOAN FLORA

GOAN FLORA Goa has more than 3000 different species of flowering plants. Most of these are indigenous, but scores of others were introduced by the Portuguese from Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and Australia. The most ubiquitous tree is of course the coconut palm, which is in abundance everywhere, from the swaying ranges at the coast to the huge plantations in the rural interior. The best and most lucrative crop is probably the coconut which is grown in thousands of coconut cultivations located mostly in the coastal villages but also in the interior. The coconut tree is the source of a number of products — its sap called toddi is a popular local liquor, the copra oil squeezed from young coconuts is used for cooking and also sold to soap and cosmetic manufacturers; the coarse hair surrounding the shell produces fibre for rope, coir-matting and furniture upholstery; dried palm fronds make baskets, brooms and thatch; while the wood from fallen trees is used to make rafters for houses. Besides coconuts, plantations of areca nuts, mango, jackfruit and cashews are found all around Goa. Cultivation of spices and other fruits ranging from pineapples to bananas, and pepper to cinnamon is also quite common in many rural areas.Cashew nut and mango trees are also seen in large privately owned plantations all over the state and supply a major portion of the export crop that is shipped out of Goa. Goa has a magnificent range of flowering trees and plants which are seen all over the towns and villages in a bewildering range of colours and sizes. During the period before the monsoons, most of these are in full bloom, lending Goa a colourful look. Among the other trees that are found in abundance are the banyan, the peepal, sisso or martel, kharanj and teak.