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and branches. The latter also bear numerous small modi- 

 fied leaves known as stipules. The flowers occur at the 

 joints or at the"" ends of branches and may be. single or in 

 groups forming panicles. The petals and sepals are 5 in 

 number and regular in shape; pistils and stamens occur in 

 the same flower. 



MARBAS. 



(Abutilon indicmn.) 

 Marbas (Pampanga) ; pal-lo-pal-lot (Abra). 



This species is an annual or perennial plant reaching a 

 height of 2.5 m. The leaves are ashy grey in color, from 

 5 to 12 cm. long, and have margins entire or serrated. The 

 solitary flowers are yellow and occur on long stalks jointed 

 near the tip. The fruit, 1.5 cm. long and 2 cm. in diameter, 

 consists of 15 to 20 carpels. 



Common in waste places throughout the Philippines. 

 The plant is in flower all the year. 



LUSUBAN. 



{Bombycidendron vidalianum.) 

 Lusuban (Abra, Ilocos Norte). 



The plant, known as 'Uusuban" in Ilocano, is a small tree 

 from 3 to 8 m. high and with a trunk 15 to 25 cm. in 

 diameter. It is often found growing on hillsides. The 

 leaves, oblong in shape and round at the base, are from 

 10 to 12 cm. long and 4 to 5 cm. broad and borne on short 

 petioles. During the months of January and February 

 the tree may be found in flower or fruit. 



The fibers are prepared by retting. The branches of the 

 tree are cut into pieces 1 to 2 m. long and kept in water 

 for about two weeks. The inner bark can then be made 

 ready for use by scraping and washing the fibers. In Abra 

 the fiber is used to a small extent for hat braids. In the 

 latter province, as well as in Ilocos Norte, the fibers from 

 the bark are frequently employed for cordage. 



MAPOLA. 



(Hibiscus mutabilis.) 

 Mapola (Batangas). 



The flowers of this species, borne on long stalks jointed 

 near the top, are white or pink on first opening in the mom- 



