H 
HATS. 
gether so that it splits down the middle ; a tissue- 
paper-like substance will then be noticed which is 
the epidermal layer and may easily be torn off. A 
fibre is made from the leaves but, being very short, 
is of little commercial value. 
Ippi^appa, or Broom^Thatcfa. 
Carludovica jamaicensis. Order ( Jyclanthaceae . 
Native of Jamaica. This beautiful plant looks 
like a small palm, but it is not a true palm. It is 
practically stemless, the leaf stalks being round and 
smooth, and from 2 to 5 feet long. The leaf is 
fan-shaped and is divided into four parts. It 
grows in ravines and along river courses in damp 
districts, e.g., Castleton, Glengoffe, Bog Walk, 
and in such places is abundant. 
Uses. Hats, brooms, and baskets are made from 
this plant. It is also used as a thatch for cottage 
roofs, and as an ornamental garden plant. For full 
information on the plant and its uses, see the Bul- 
letin of the Jamaica Botanical Department for 
1902, page 145. 
Strainer- Vine, Loofa, Strainer-Gourd, or Towel- 
Gourd. 
Luffa ^gyptiaca. Order Cucurbit aceae. Na- 
turalized or cultivated throughout the tropics. 
Common in this Island. A climbing plant with 
rough, dark-green leaves which are five-angled or 
somewhat five-lobed. The flowers are yellow, and 
the fruit is oblong, like a very large cucumber, 12 
to 15 inches, or more, in length. The outer shell of 
the ripe fruit is removed, disclosing a dense frame- 
work of fibres with flat, black seeds. The seeds 
are shaken out and the fibrous portion, after being 
washed and bleached, is ready for use. 
Uses. Fancy work, (e.g., hats, slippers, baskets), 
flesh -brush. 
