Ivory, a material historically prized for its beauty and workability, is not derived from plants. This hard, white substance originates exclusively from animals. While the term “ivory” might sometimes be associated with plant-based materials due to similar appearance, true ivory is an animal product.
The True Nature of Ivory
Traditional ivory is a dense, white material formed from the tusks and teeth of various mammals. Its primary component is dentin, a calcified tissue also found in human teeth. Tusks, such as those on elephants, are elongated incisor teeth that grow continuously throughout the animal’s life.
Beyond elephants, walruses, hippopotamuses, narwhals, and warthogs also produce ivory from their tusks or teeth. Historically, ivory’s aesthetic qualities, durability, hardness, and carvable nature made it a valued medium. It was used for items like carvings, jewelry, piano keys, and decorative objects across many cultures for thousands of years.
Understanding Vegetable Ivory
The term “vegetable ivory” refers to a plant-derived material that mimics the appearance and feel of animal ivory. This sustainable alternative primarily comes from the Tagua nut, the seed of certain Phytelephas palm trees, predominantly Phytelephas aequatorialis and Phytelephas macrocarpa. These “ivory palms” are native to the rainforests of South America, particularly Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil.
The Tagua nut starts as a liquid endosperm, which hardens as it dries, developing a texture and color similar to animal ivory. Once mature, these nuts naturally fall from the palm trees, allowing collection without harming the plant. Artisans process and carve the dried nuts into items like buttons, beads, and small sculptures, utilizing its natural white color and fine marbled grain.
Plants with “Ivory” in Their Name
While no plant produces actual ivory material, some plants or cultivars incorporate “ivory” into their common or scientific names. This naming convention highlights a plant’s appearance, such as a creamy white color or a smooth, pale texture. For instance, ‘Ivory’ can be found in certain Yucca varieties, like Yucca flaccida ‘Ivory’, describing its creamy-white flowers or foliage.
These plants are named for their visual characteristics, not because they yield a material resembling animal or vegetable ivory. An “Ivory Orchid Plant” or “Holly Ivory Plant” suggests a specific coloration or aesthetic quality. Thus, ‘ivory’ in a plant’s name signifies a descriptive visual characteristic, not a material source.
The Significance of Sustainable Alternatives
The availability of vegetable ivory offers a sustainable and ethical alternative to animal ivory. Historic demand for animal ivory has led to severe declines in elephant populations, driven by illegal poaching and trade. By choosing plant-based options like Tagua nuts, consumers and manufacturers can contribute to wildlife conservation.
Tagua palms are renewable resources; a single palm can produce nuts for up to 100 years, yielding approximately 15 to 20 kilograms of vegetable ivory annually. This renewable harvest provides economic opportunities for local communities in rainforest regions, offering an incentive to protect these natural habitats. Embracing vegetable ivory supports biodiversity and helps reduce pressure on endangered animal species.