The oil palm is a tropical tree native to West Africa, primarily cultivated for its fruit, which produces palm oil. This oil is widely used in cooking, food products, and various industrial applications due to its high yield and versatility. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and typically starts producing fruit after about three years.
Oil palm plantations are significant in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, where they contribute to the economy. However, the expansion of these plantations has raised environmental concerns, including deforestation and habitat loss for wildlife, particularly in rainforests. Sustainable practices are being promoted to mitigate these impacts.