238 



USEFUL FIBER PLANTS OF THE WORLD. 



In Venezuela the fiber of this palm, known as Moriche, is used for making reins 

 and cordage. "In fineness, strength, and durability the fiber is surpassed by that 

 obtained from Astrocaryum vulgare" (Spon). Among the products of this palm 

 exhibited in the Kew Mus. are fans and baskets and a canoe sail from British 

 Guiana, the latter made from central portions of tbe leaf stalk; also sandals made 

 from the leaf stalk by the Wascari Indians. "Tbe most useful fiber to the natives 

 of British Guiana.'" (Quelch.) 



* Specimen. — U. S. Xat. Mus. 



Mauritia vinifera. The Mukiti Palm. 



A Brazilian species, known also as the wine palm of Para. It is a tall, graceful 

 species with a cylindrical trunk. The wine or juice "is obtained by cutting down 



Fig. 



^\$$WW**^. 



-The Ita palm, ITauritia 

 flexuosa. 



Tig. 81. — The Carana palm. Mauritia 

 aculeata. 



the tree and cutting into the trunk several holes about 6 inches square, three inches 

 deep, and about 6 feet apart. In a short time these holes become filled with a red- 

 dish colored liquid which forms a very agreeable drink. On the Rio Negro the hard 

 outside portions of the trunk are used lor building purposes." Off. Guide Keto Mus. 

 It also produces a pulp which, when boiled with sugar, is made into a sweetinent. 

 The young leaves and cuticle of the leaves form the raw material for the manufac- 

 ture of hammocks and mats. In the handbook Notes of the State of Para. W. vJ. E., 

 1893, tbe fiber i- called burily, and is said to be hsed for bats, basket-, and cordage. 

 Anot her species is noted in Brazil, l/. aculeata, which • produces fibers of admirable 

 fineness, resistance, and brilliancy." (See fig. 81.) 



