DESCRIPTION OF SPECIES 373 
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. 
Ficus pachyphylla 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 PALAWANENSIS Merr. BALETE. 
Local names: Agamid (Itneg); agamit (Abra); baléte (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 palawanensis 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 SCANDENS (Lour.) Planch. Mataisis. 
Local names: Hinggiu (Mindoro); sadak (Abra); sigid (Negros); ma- 
laisis (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 
