The Natangura Palm

Natangura palm, botanically known as Metroxylon warburgii grows wild in Vanuatu.  It grows up to a maximum height of twenty meters in some areas. In areas where tidal actions are irregular and infrequent, it can reach a height of 10 meters.  The palm grows well in swampy areas and in flood plains that receive regular spill over of river catchments flow.  It is necessary in the establishment stages of planting that the palm receives regular watering.  After the first five to six years of growth, it reaches maturity and beyond this point, if the water table drops, the palm will be able to withstand the stress.
The palm reaches maturity at the age of eight years old but can survive beyond 10-15 years under some cases; it has survived up to 20 years.  Nevertheless, its ability to produce both flower and fruit is noted to take place only once in its life span and can produce up to a maximum of 200 seeds in one fruiting period.

 

 

Vanuatu, South Pacific
Vanuatu meaning "Land Eternal" is an archipelago of 83 islands with a total land mass of approximately 13,000sq Km. Located 2500km north east of Sydney Australia, and 2000km north of Auckland New Zealand, the Ni-Vanuatu people have populated these islands for centuries. The people of Vanuatu are predominantly Melanesian and with more than 115 distinctly different cultures and thriving languages, Vanuatu is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.

 

 

In the total population of 200,000 there are small communities of French, British, Australian, New Zealand, Vietnamese, Chinese and other pacific islands people living in harmony with the Ni-Vanuatu.

Until Vanuatu gained its independence in 1980, it was previously known as the New Hebrides when it was jointly administered by Britain and France as a condominium. Today although Bislama (Pidgin English) is the national language of Vanuatu, both English and French are still widely spoken. Vanuatu is a self governing Republic and a member of the commonwealth Nations. The President is the Head of State, and the government is based on the Westminster System.

 

 
The capital city Port Vila is located on the south west coast of the island of Efate. Free of skyscraper office blocks, the capital is set within a magnificent harbour with an ambience unique to the pacific.

 
           
 

Along the main street there are duty free shops, restaurants, and handicraft galleries. Port Vila market is open 6 days of the week and there you can discover a wide range of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, shells, artifacts, coconut crabs, and souvenirs for sale. Within walking distance of the center of town, a range of resorts offer various water recreation and sporting activities, from swimming snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing to fishing. The most fascinating landmark of Vanuatu's capital however is the cultural center, which contains one of the most extensive artifact collections in the South Pacific.

 
 

Vanuatu is often referred to as another time another pace, to truly experience the unique culture and customs of the Ni-Vanuatu, one must be willing to venture out into the rural outer islands. It is there that you can witness for yourself the true Melanesian way. One of the greatest qualities possessed by the Ni-Vanuatu is their shy yet friendly hospitality. They are proud of their culture and identity and are more than willing to share it with you.

 

For more information about Vanuatu Contact the Vanuatu National Tourism Office     

www.vanuatutourism.com