174 MINOR PRODUCTS OP PHILIPPINE FORESTS 



The spadix is used in decoction as an emmenagogue and 

 ecbolic. 



Genus HOMALOMENA 

 HOMALOMENA PHILIPPINENSIS Engl. TahIg-. 



A description of this species and its local names are given in 

 the section on miscellaneous plants. 



The rhizomes are reputed to be antirheumatic if used in the 

 form of an embrocation. 



Genus RHAPHIDOPHORA 

 RHAPHIDOPHORA MERRILLII Engl. Aml6ng. 



Local names: Amlong (Camarines) ; am/Along (Iloko) ; balamad, mala- 

 pakpdk, tampinbanal, tibdtib (Tagalog) ; balikukup bisano, dibatib, daila, 

 garban, horag, takoline, tirbdtib (Bisaya) ; dukup (Bontoc). 



The sap is employed for the cure of snake bites. The spadix 

 of this plant is valued among the natives as an emmenagogue. 

 perhaps on account of its form. 



Distribution: Mountain Province of Luzon to southern Min- 

 danao. 



Genus TYPHONIUM 

 TYPHONIUM DIVARICATUM Decne. 

 Local name: Gabigabihan (Tagalog). 

 The corms have a rubefacient quality, but are very rarely used. 



Family FLAGELLARIACEAE 



Genus FLAGELLARrA 



FLAGELLARIA INDICA L. Baling-uAi. 



A description and figure of this species and its local names 

 are given in the section on fiber plants. 

 The stem and rhizome in decoction are considered diuretic. 



Family COMMELINACEAE 



Genus COMMELINA 



COMMELINA BENGHALENSIS L. SabilXu. 



Local names: Alikbdngon (Tagalog); bias-bids (Pampanga) ; kuhdsi 



(Batanes Islands) ; kulkuldsi (Union) ; olikbdngon (Tagalog) ; sabildu 



(Bisaya) . 



The entire plant, in decoction, is used as an emollient coUy- 

 rium. It is also employed to combat strangury. 



Distribution: Batanes Islands to Palawan and Basilan. 



