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The plant generally has a solitary stem arising from the 

 ground. About 1 to 2 m. from the ground in the adult 

 form, it shows a division into three or more branches and 

 each one of these branches is divided and is like the main 

 stem. Varying with the locality and richness of the soil, 

 it grows to be 4 to 5 m. or even higher. The somewhat 

 bulbous nature of the joints is peculiar; there being quite 

 a thickening where the branches originate. 



The flowers are white, about 3 cm. long with a calyx 

 tube 1 cm. long. They form a panicle. The fruit is round, 

 about 1 cm. thick, and contains one seed. The latter is 

 oblong and rather strongly wrinkled. The ovate leaves are 

 thin and smooth, from 15 to 18 cm. long and 9 cm. wide. 

 The veins are parallel. 



DISTRIBUTION. 



Banban is very common and widely distributed through- 

 out the Philippines. It also occurs in Java, Celebes, to 

 New Guinea. It is generally found growing along the sides 

 of streams or brooks and in moist, shady places. 



PREPARATION. 



The main stem of banban, because of its long internode, 

 is the best part of the plant to use. This is divided into 

 halves and quarters. The inner part is whittled down to 

 the requisite thinness as is done with palm petioles. If the 

 skin is not scraped off the material is of a pale-green or 

 gray color; and if the epidermis is removed, the material 

 varies from light to dark brown, depending on the age of 

 the stem. The material is considered better for weavers 

 than for spokes. 



USES. 



Banban is used for weavers of baskets, usually in com- 

 bination with nito, irao, and other material. It is also 

 used occasionally by Filipinos for hammocks, fish traps, 

 hats, and for sewing together nipa leaves to be used as 

 shingles. 



