Tagua, also known as ivory nut or vegetable ivory, is the seed of the Phytelephas macrocarpa palm, which grows in the tropical humid forests of the Pacific region, especially in Panama, Colombia and Ecuador.

tagua nut buttons is used for the manufacture of buttons, this being the main export item of Ecuador.

There are many substitute materials: plastic, buffalo horn, leather, urea, among others. However, the tagua button has the advantage that it is biodegradable, its preparation does not harm the flora or fauna where there are taguales, and has better durability (as long as the collection and manufacturing process is correct).