70 



PUGAHAN. 



(Caryota cumingii.) 



Pugahan (Sorsogon, Tayabas) ; hagol (Albay, Sorsogon). 



There are a number of species of palms in the Philippines 

 that may be called fishtail palms ^ on account of their 

 peculiarly shaped leaflets which look like a fish's tail or 

 fin. The species known as Caryota cumingii has a trunk 

 that is generally slender and leaves that are scattered along 

 its upper part. The complete leaf measures 1.5 m. and the 

 leaflets about 20 cm. The inflorescence is pendulous, about 

 80 cm. long, and made up of numerous flowering branches 

 (spikes). The male flowers are dull purplish and yellow 

 in appearance ; the fruit is round and purple in color. 



DISTRIBUTION. 



The fishtail palms are very abundant in some forests. 

 They are not, however, as evident to the casual observer 

 as are other palms for they usually do not occur in the 

 open country. The tree is widely distributed throughout 

 the Philippines. 



USES. 



Splints from the petiole of this palm are used in basketry. 



COCONUT PALM. 



{Cocos nucifera.) 

 Coconut (E.) ; cocos (Sp.) ; lubi (Cebu) ; niog (T., IL). 



This tree, often called "the prince of palms" is too well 

 known, especially in the Tropics, to require a botanical 

 description. 



PREPARATION. 



Coconut shell.^ — The matured brown coconut shell is the 

 best for polishing. The white shell may also be used, but 

 it does not take so high a polish as the brown shell. 



' See Plate XXV. 



' From a report prepared by Messrs. E. Carretero, J. Quisteria, 

 and M. Bautista, teachers in the Manila city schools, and submitted 

 to the General Office through the city superintendent. 



