248 PHILIPPINE PALMS 
thatching material in the Islands. A very durable thatching is 
made from the fibers at the base of the leaves of Arenga pinnata 
(sugar palm). The leaves of the following palms are also used 
for thatching: Cocos nucifera (coconut), Corypha elata (buri), 
Livistona spp. (anahau), and Metroxylon sagu (sago palm). 
Timber. The stems of old coconut palms are used for house- 
posts, wharves, and bridges; the split, outer portion of the stems 
of Caryota spp., Livistona spp. (anahau), Metroxylon sagu (sago 
palm), and Oncosperma (anibong) for floors; and the stems of 
Metroxylon sagu (sago palm) for rafters. The stems of Liv- 
istona spp. (palma brava) take a high polish and, if protected 
from the rain, last well. They are used extensively as pillars. 
Spear shafts are made from the outer shell of the stems of 
Livistona and Oncosperma and bows from Livistona. 
Tinder. A fine fiber obtained from Arenga pinnata (sugar 
palm) and Caryota spp. makes an excellent tinder. 
Vermifuge. The fruits of Areca catechu (betel palm) are used 
extensively as a vermifuge. 
Vinegar. This product is obtained from the sap of Nipa, 
Arenga pinnata (sugar palm), Cocos nucifera (coconut), and 
Corypha elata (buri). 
Walking sticks. Species of Calamus (rattan) found in Palawan 
furnish beautiful canes known in commerce as Malacca canes. 
The outer parts of the stems of Livistona (palma brava) are also 
used extensively as walking sticks, as are occasionally the whole 
stems of some of the small species of Pinanga. 
Water. Stems of some species of Calamus (rattan) contain 
water which is used for drinking purposes. 
Water pipes and troughs. Whole or split trunks of Livistona 
spp., and probably of other large palms, are used as water 
conduits in irrigation, as eave troughs, etc. 
