Xaxim

Xaxim (pronounced: Shaschim) is a product of tree ferns (e.g. Cyathea contaminans ). It is mainly used in terraristics . It is a dark, porous material and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Extraction or production

The dried logs are used for the manufacture of Xaxim products. Some of these are then simply offered in 0.5–1 m long pieces, which are then approx. 50–150 mm in diameter, or they are processed into panels of various thicknesses and sizes. There are also some planters in various sizes, granules and carved figures to buy.

use

Xaxim is a very popular decoration material in tropical terrariums (e.g. for poison dart frogs ). It can be sawn or drilled and easily attached to the terrarium with silicone . The trunks are valued as climbing opportunities for the terrarium inhabitants, whereby the panels are usually used as cladding for the rear wall. A special feature compared to rear wall cladding made of other materials such as cork , coconut fibers or similar. is the Xaxim's ability to green itself. Since it is a product from the humid forests of Asia, there are plenty of seeds and spores of plants living there in the numerous cracks, holes and spaces , mainly mosses and ferns . These appear a few weeks to months after you start exposing the Xaxim to light while keeping it moist. So after a while the terrarium can turn into a very green bush. In addition, it can also contain bromeliads or the like. be planted.

Environmental hazard

The extraction of xaxim has fallen into disrepute in recent years for destroying the rainforest . This is certainly the case when harvesting wild tree ferns. Therefore, most of the species are internationally protected. As an alternative, Xaxim from plantations has recently been increasingly offered. The sale takes place only with proof of origin . This conserves natural raw materials and at the same time enables sustainable use.