Chapter XII.— PHILIPPINE BAST FIBERS. 



The strong woody fiber obtained from the inner bark of 

 various trees is known as bast. 



There are a great many species of plants in the Philip- 

 pines belonging especially to the family of Tiliaceae, of 

 which jute is an important member; the Malvaceae, to which 

 the cotton plant belongs; and the Sterculiaceae, of which 

 the cacao plant is the best-known representative, that yield 

 bast fibers suitable for rope. There are, however, many 

 other families of plants whose bast fibers are also employed 

 as a cordage material. 



No attempt will be made to describe all of the bast fibers 

 that are or could be utilized in the Philippines. Most of 

 these fibers may be said to be of purely local importance 

 at present, being made into cordage at home whenever such 

 is necessary or desired. Some of the fibers have, however, 

 distinct industrial or commercial possibilities and are there- 

 fore described here. 



The preparation of bast fibers in general follows the 

 processes outlined under jute. Where special methods 

 exist, they are mentioned when the fiber is discussed. 



THE ANILAO FAMILY (Tiliaceae). 



The family of Anilao comprises a number of species that 

 produce bast fibers utilized for rope. The members of this 

 family are trees, shrubs, or herbs. The leaves of all species 

 are always simple and entire and their margin either ser- 

 rated or lobed. Flowers are perfect (i. e., each has stamens 

 and pistils) and they are found in the axils of leaves or 

 at the end of branches. Sepals and petals are from 3 to 

 5 in number. The inflorescence is generally a flat-topped 

 or convex flower cluster or may be more irregular in out- 

 line because of branching. The fruit may be dry or fleshy. 

 The most commonly used species are jute, anilao, danglin, 



and balitnong. 

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