Anatomical variation of fibers in five genera of Hawaiian Urticaceae and its significance to ethnobotany

Author:

Funk, Evangeline J.

Title:

Anatomical variation of fibers in five genera of Hawaiian Urticaceae and its significance to ethnobotany

Year:

1979

Volume:

M.S.

Pages:

viii, 102 leaves

Subject:

Urticaceae Fiber plants Fiberwork

Summary:

The cells of Urera and Touchardia used by the early Hawaiians for fiber are thick walled branching non-articulated laticifers. At maturity these cells become lignified. True fibers are distributed unevenly along different radii of the stems of Neraudia, Boehmeria and Pipturus. This may represent a consequence of external conditions such as prevailing winds. The bark of Pipturus, when placed in water, exudes large quantities of an adhesive material that was probably as valuable to the aboriginal Hawaiians for cementing layers of tapa together.

Collection:

Monographs