The Cohune palm (Orbigyna Cohune) is one of the most abundant trees in Belize. It is found in forests from near sea level up to 2000 ft in rich soil. Cohune trees can reach heights of 90 feet, while fronds can reach up to 30 feet long and are commonly used for thatching. Many other species of palm can also be used in thatching, such as Bayleaf palm (Sabal morrisiana) which is a favorite for its durability,  and Silver Thatch Palm (Thrinax radiata). To make a shelter in the Belize jungle, the most readily available is the Cohune palm. The fronds are long and linear. The heart Cohune palm is also a delicacy. To see which part is edible and how to prepare it go to our page on Eating Cohune Palm.

Cohune oil is pressed from the seeds of the cohune palm, which is native to Central and South America.

Along with other byproducts of the palm, cohune oil is believed to have been used by cultures in southern Mesoamerica since the pre-Columbian era, in particular by the Maya. Uses of the oil include as a lubricant, for cooking, soapmaking and lamp oil. For this latter purpose the oil was placed in earthenware or soapstone lamps and lit with a wick, for cooking and illumination. The manufacture and usage of the oil continues among certain contemporary Maya communities in Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

¡@ Orchid Garden Your Eco-Village Experience is hosted by Robin and Amy, a retired British couple who are on hand to ensure that everything runs smoothly, and that as far as possible every guest need is met and every question answered Click here: Email to Robin & Amy TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews   #1of 15 B&Bs / Inns in Belize City 43 reviews “Wonderful stay.” Apr 15, 2010 - jessrc “Everything we needed for vacation, and more” Apr 12, 2010 - Cinpabelex   Belize Airport Hotel  Belize City Hotel First Night Belize Airport Hotel Package US$70 pp ( Double Occupancy) Price Includes; 1 Night¡¦s accommodation 1 Dinner 1 Breakfast  One Eco-Village Tour Green Building & Nature Swimming Pool Savannah Nature Trail Nature Artistry Museum Unrestricted access to: A Hughes Net high speed internet connection & 75+ channels of Direct TV A small but serviceable library A games room with table tennis and pool tables Room $US Single Room 100 /pp Double Room 70  /pp Triple Room 60  /pp Quad Room 55  /pp Price Includes; 3 Night¡¦s accommodation 3 Dinner 3 Breakfast  One Eco-Village Tour Green Building & Nature Swimming Pool Savannah Nature Trail Nature Artistry Museum Unrestricted access to: A Hughes Net high speed internet connection & 75+ channels of Direct TV A small but serviceable library A games room with table tennis and pool tables Zip lining and Cave tubing at Jaguar Paw 40 minutes drive New River, the starting point for our Wildlife river cruise and the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai  50 minutes The terminal for the water taxi to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye and the snorkeling in Shark/Ray Alley and at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the Barrier Reef 25 minutes  The highway junction in the village of Teakettle (starting point for the awesome ATM Tour (Underground Expedition to the Cave of the Crystal Maiden) 45 minutes The Belize Zoo or the Baboon Sanctuary 20 minutes The International Airport 20 minutes Date: June 7th , 2008 Excellent Facility; the food + service was top notch. Naisha & Bill Johns USA Tours and meals were above expectations. Good luck with further development of your Eco-Village Kim & Kathy Mahu USA   Everything was great loved people/workers. Tours great, food fabulous Suggestion: Continue working hard on your Eco-Vision Philip & Karen Boucher USA    : Fabulous food/ people were wonderful. Tours were interesting. Loved the music with our meals Eileen & Bruce Gebhard USA June 12 2008 Delicious food. Generous and kind hosts, very informative tours of Eco-Village. Good location, close to Mayan Ruins, Cave tubing & Zip-Lines. Very helpful in informing about great tours in the area.   June 26 2008 Orchid Garden is a beautiful, peaceful oasis. Excellent food great service and hospitality. Christine would do anything and everything for us! Thanks Suggestions: I don’t think you could do anything better. Thanks again. We will be back  Kevin & Ropin Barber Minnesota USA   Thank you for all the ways you blessed us during our stay! Suggestions: It is beautiful here everyone is so nice! I love it here. Thank you! Patti Eckhoff Minnesota USA   Laura, Katie, Carrie and Riza Tantay Minnesota USA The servise was amazing! uggestions: Wonderful food! Thanks for taking care of us! Laura, Katie, Carrie and Riza Tantay Minnesota USA

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