DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES g5 



King found it to have a tensile strength of 464 kilos per square 

 centimeter. Immersion in water for twenty-four hours increased 

 the strength 17 per cent. 



FicKS pachi/phylla is a strangling fig with alternate, very 

 leathery, smooth, somewhat elliptical leaves, which are 9 to 15 

 centimeters in length. The figs are red with yellow scales at the 

 base, and are about 1.5 centimeters in diameter. 



This species is widely distributed at low altitudes from 

 northern Luzon to southern Mindanao. 



FICUS PALAWAN ENSIS Merr. Balete. 



Local names: Agamid (Itneg) ; againit (Abra) ; balete (Cavite, Laguna, 

 Tayabas, Lanao). 



The bast from this species is stronger than that of any of 

 the other species of Ficus tested by King. The rope made from 

 it is very strong. On account of its great strength, toughness, 

 and durability the fiber is used for making wild-hog traps. 

 King found the rope to have a tensile strength of 752 kilos per 

 square centimeter. Wetting increased the strength. 



Ficus iMlciwanensis is a large, strangling fig with alternate, 

 smooth, leathery, elliptical leaves, pointed at the apex, usually 

 rounded at the base, and 15 to 22 centimeters in length. The 

 fig is red, oval, and about 1.5 centimeters in diameter. 



This species is found throughout the Philippines at low 

 altitudes. 



Genus MALAISIA 



MALAISIA SCAN DENS (Lour.) Planch. MALAlsfs. 



Local names: Hin.ggm (Mindoro) ; sddak (Abra); sigid (Negros) ; ma- 

 1 a is is (Tagalog). 



This vine is used for tying purposes, as in the construction 

 of fish corrals. 



The leaves of Malaisia scandens are alternate, smooth, some- 

 what oval, pointed at the tip, and from 5 to 12 centimeters in 

 length. The flowers are small and greenish white. The fruits 

 are oval, red, and about 7 millimeters long. 



This species is common and widely distributed in the Phil- 

 ippine forests. 



Family URTICACEAE 



Genus BOEHMERIA 



BOEHMERIA NIVEA Gaudich. Ramie OR China grass. 



Local name: Lipang-dso (Manila). 



Ramie is a well-known fiber. It is extensively cultivated in 

 China, and has also been grown in other countries. The fiber 



