Summary
Pandanus simplex is an economically important species of Pandanus (screwpine) endemic to the Philippines. It is commonly known as karagumoy (also spelled karagomoy or karagomoi) or kalagimay. Its leaves and fibers are used widely in the Philippines for thatching, ropes, and weaving various traditional handicrafts like baskets and mats.
| Pandanus simplex | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Pandanales |
| Family: | Pandanaceae |
| Genus: | Pandanus |
| Species: | P. simplex
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| Binomial name | |
| Pandanus simplex | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Taxonomy edit
Pandanus simplex was first described by the American botanist Elmer Drew Merrill in 1905. It is classified under the subgenus Kurzia, section Utilissima.[2][1]
Description edit
Karagumoy typically grows to 4 to 8 m (13 to 26 ft) tall. It has a round trunk around 12 to 15 cm (4.7 to 5.9 in) in diameter that is either unbranched or have a few branches. Prop roots emerge from the trunk near the base. It has dark green elongated and very thick leaves, around 3 to 6 m (9.8 to 19.7 ft) long and 6 to 10 cm (2.4 to 3.9 in) wide, with small sharp spines at the edges. The leaves are spirally-arranged leaves at the end of branches.[3]
Karagumoy is dioecious with separate male and female plants. The fruits resemble jackfruit. They have an elongated capsule shape covered with small spines. They are typically 60 cm (24 in) or longer in length, and 20 cm (7.9 in) in width or wider.[2][4]
Habitat edit
Karagumoy is found in forests in low to medium elevations.[5]
Uses edit
Karagumoy leaves and fibers are widely utilized in the Philippines in weaving mats, baskets, hats, and other traditional woven products. They are also used to make ropes or thatching.[5] They are cultivated in farms. Mature leaves are harvested once every three months. The fruits and shoots of the karagumoy are also edible.[2]
Gallery edit
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Growth habit -
Karagumoy in the forest -
Karagumoy leaves woven into a basket -
Karagumoy leaves being harvested -
Karagumoy leaves laid out on a road -
Dried karagumoy strips -
Karagumoy being woven into a hat (kalo)
See also edit
References edit
- ^ a b The Plant List v.1.1. 2013.
- ^ a b c Brink, M.; Jansen, P.C.M.; Bosch, C.H. "Pandanus simplex (PROSEA)". Pl@ntUse. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- ^ Tan, Mario A.; Nonato, Maribel G.; Kogure, Noriyuki; Kitajima, Mariko; Takayama, Hiromitsu (2012). "Secondary metabolites from Pandanus simplex". Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. 40 (2012): 4–5. doi:10.1016/j.bse.2011.09.001.
- ^ "Karagomoi". Material Collection. FurnitureCebu. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- ^ a b Fern, Ken. "Pandanus simplex". Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
External links edit
