The jarina palm tree (Phytelephas macrocarpa) is endemic of the Amazon region growing in older flood plains constituted by quartz, 2:1 clay-minerals and feldspars. The soils are fertile and slightly acid to neutral. The jarina seeds can be included among the rare organic gems. Because of its color and luster the seeds are compared to animal ivory in spite of its lower hardness and lower density. They are largely employed in the manufacture of bio-jewels and artifacts. The products are commercially well accepted because the seeds support coloration change and other improvements. However, the jewels do not last very long because the seeds tend to be destroyed by the action of microorganisms within 5 to 10 years. By means of an adequate policy the productive chain of jarina seeds may turn to be of great importance for the development of the Amazon region by creating new job opportunities and by aggregating value to the products. However, special care has to be taken to avoid inadequate exploration of the seeds in order to assure the preservation of the species.
Jarina; Amazon region; vegetable-ivory; seeds; organic gem; Phytelephas macrocarpa; bio-jewels
