96 MINOR PRODUCTS OF PHILIPPINE FORESTS 



Family SOLANACEAE 

 Genus SOLAN UM 

 SOLANUM INAEQUILATERALE Merr. 



Local names: Tabaco-tabaco (Lanao) ; talantalogan (BukidnonK 



The leaves of this shrub are used by the Moro-Subanuns tor 

 smoking. 



Solanum inaequilaterale is a thorny shrub about 2 meters in 

 height. The leaves are large and hairy, the margins toothed 

 with large lobes. The fruits are borne in clusters and are bright 

 scarlet. 



TREE-FERN* TRUNKS 



Family CYATHEACEAE 



Genus CYATHEA 

 CYATHEA spp. 



Local names: Atibangddl, inarapdko (Benguet) ; manapo (Benguet) ; 

 palango (Camarines) ; punit (Samar). 



The tree ferns are always ornamental; but, on account of 

 climatic conditions, cannot be successfully planted in cities and 

 towns at low altitudes. 



The trunks of these ferns are very hard and durable, and 

 for this reason are sometimes used for house posts. Owing to 

 the peculiar arrangement of the very large vascular bundles, 

 their durable qualities, and their hardness, which allows a 

 rather high polish, sections of the trunk are often prepared 

 for vases or other objects of utility such as pencil holders and 

 even umbrella holders. The stems may be split, and the harder 

 part used for inlaying or for making small ornamental boxes, 

 frames, etc. In general, however, tree ferns occupy a distinctly 

 inferior place in the list of Philippine economic plants. 



The tree ferns are abundant in many parts of the Philippines, 

 although they are rarely found at low altitudes except in regions 

 where there is abundant rainfall. 



