CHAFTER 9

PJRT V: PJRT V: USES OF THE COCONUT PALM FOOD

CHAFTER 9 CHAFTER 9

If t h e coconut palms a r e very sparsely planted, some t r e e s such a s Cordia and Pisonia may occur, though ra.rely nowadays.

Ylny low p l a n t s survive with d i f f i c u l t y i n open areas while species such a s Sida f a l l a x , which seem t o p r e f e r s t r o n g sunlight, can achieve g r e a t extension there.

111. Vegetation of the lagoon s i d e ( a r e a of roads and v i l l a g e s )

The roadsides being generally cleared t o a c e r t a i n width, few p l a n t s a r e t o be found there except comnon grasses. On the other hand, t h e shrubs and t r e e s of the i n t e r i o r may be found again between t h e cleared road zone and t h e edge of t h e lagoon, with t h e addition of small groups of Messerschlidia forming a narrow s t r i p s l i g h t l y i n f r o n t of t h e coconut palms ( P l a t e XIVa).

One p l a n t w i l l be found growing densely on sandy a r e a s t h a t a r e alvays damp below t h e surface through t i d a l seepage; t h i s i s Finibristylis, ~ ? h i c h t o l e r a t e s high s a l i n i t y . On t h e contrary, Scaevola, Guettarda and Leptu-rus always grow above t h e l e v e l of t h e highest t i d e s .

Village areas o f f e r a very d i f f e r e n t aspect, due t o t h e number of p l a n t s c u l t i v a t e d i n t h e i r immediate v i c i n i t y and around the houses. Among food -trees, i n addition t o coconut palms which a r e rridely spaced, b r e a d f r u i t t r e e s predominate, and sometimes reach a l a r g e s i z e . Pandanus t r e e s a r e f o w d i n varying nurribers, mostly around t h e v i l l a g e periphery, except i n t h e southern i s l a n d s where they a r e given t h e same choice locations a s Artocarpus. Pa-paya t r e e s a r e found i n every v i l l a g e and a r e o f t e n very t a l l . Banana p l a n t s a r e sometimes a component of t h i s vegetation, b u t a r e grown only i n p i t s . Small pumpkin patches ( p l a t e XIVc) a r e seen around t h e houses i n southern islands, generally s i d e by s i d e with numerous tobacco p l a n t s ( f i g u r e XVc), while Ficus t i n c t o r i a i s usually found a l i t t l e behind the l a s t houses. Torg~atoes

-

and sweet potatoes a r e very scarce and we saw them only on a few islands i n t h e c e n t r e and north of t h e G i l b e r t Group.

One of the c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s of t h e Gilbertese v i l l a g e -

-

i s the m e a t

-

v a r i e t y of ornamental p l a n t s . The most commonly found a r e Crinum, Russelia, Mirabilis, Catharanthus and Pseuderanthemun. The lorr p l a n t s considered as weeds vary i n abundance, of course, according t o the cleanliness of the

v i l l a g e a i d a r e , i n f a c t , r a t h e r scarce. ~ u p h o r b i a p r o s t r a t a , Fimbristylis, Phyllanthus, Eragrostis and D i g i t a r i a a r e most often seen.

I n addition t o v i l l a g e and roadside vegetation, t h e Pemphis type should be given s p e c i a l mentioil. This shrubby p l a n t ( ~ e m ~ h i s a c i d u l a Forst. ) fonns t h i c k stands, often spreading over l a r g e areas, j u s t a t t h e limit of the highest t i d e s of the lagoon, and above t h e f i r s t depressions f i l l e d by high t i d e s and occupied by Rhizophora ( p l a t e X I V ~ ) . The l a t t e r m a y often cover l a r g e areas which a r e submerged a t high t i d e .

PART 11: PLANTS COLLECTED I N THE GILBEFiTS

None of t h e p l a n t s growing i n t h e G i l b e r t Islands a r e endemic. I n f a c t , most of them belong t o t h e general c o r a l i s l a n d f l o r a i n t h e t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c . To assess the time when they f i r s t appeared, even very appro::i- mately, i s a most d i f f i c u l t t a s k . It seems, however, t h a t t h r e e main time divisions may be recognized.

I. Plants present on the islands before t h e a r r i v a l of the f i r s t occupants It i s l o g i c a l t o assume t h a t t h i s group can iilclude only p l a n t s with seeds l i k e l y t o r e s i s t a prolonged s t a y i n s a l t water and r e t a i n f o r a long time t h e i r germinating powers: These may have been introduced t o these i s l a n d s by currents and trade winds, and they ~?ould have been t h e f i r s t p l a n t stock of these t e r r i t o r i e s . Other c a r r i e r s such a s b i r d s , nay have

brought very t i n y seeds (pamineae f o r i n s t a n c e ) , bu.t t o a very small extent. ( 1 ) 11. P l a n t s introduced by successive waves of irnmlgratioii

It i s l o g i c a l t o place i n t h e second group t h e ancient food p l a n t s . The natives c a r r i e d them along during t h e i r migrations. They probably a l s o brought p l a n t s of r i t u a l significance.

111. Plants introduced since t h e a r r i v a l of Europeans . .

The t h i r d group includes'"6nly p l a n t s introduced l e s s than 200 years ago by t h e f i r s t navigators, by the t r a d e r s vho followed them, and f i n a l l y i n

q u i t e recent times by Europeans r e s i d i n g permanently o r temporarily i n these islands, missionaries, government o f f i c e r s , e t c . To these i n t e n t i o n a l l y - introduced p l a n t s should be added those which a r r i v e d by accident. The n a t i v e s a l s o took p a r t i n these introductions and s t i l l do s o a t every op- portunity. Taking i n t o account the above considerations, Ire s h a l l therefore say:

Group I f o r p l a n t s of pre-human introduction Group I1 f o r p l a n t s of ancient introduction Group 111 f o r p i a n t s of r e c e n t introduction

It 1 % i l l be e a s i l y understood t h a t , d e t a i l e d h i s t o r i c a l documents not being available, t h e l i m i t s between these groups have t o be somewhat flex-

i b l e ( e s p e c i a l l y between groups I and 1 1 ) .

( 1 ) The extent of such b i r d t r a n s p o r t must be l a r g e r than s t a t e d here,

a s p l a n t s with s t i c k y and spiny f r u i t s , such a s Pisonia, Boerhavia and Tri-

-

urnfetta, and f l e s h y f r u i t s , such as Scaevola, a r e lmom t o be c a r r i e d around by b i r d s .

-

^Ed.

A l i s t of p l a n t s collected, with b r i e f notes on each, appears below.

It should be noted t h a t t h e vernacular nmes quoted a r e those given us a t t h e c o l l e c t i n g l o c a l i t y , and t h a t they nay vary from one i s l a n d t o the next.

A s e t of the specimens i s deposited ia the herbarium of the Museum d t H i s t o i r e Naturelle, p a r i s . (1)

It was impossible t o c o l l e c t again a botanical specimen of each species i n each t e r r i t o r y v i s i t e d , s i n c e we had t o a t t e n d t o many other more important matters. This t a s k would not, however, have been useless s i n c e t h e natives always showed an understandable h e s i t a t i o n when confronted with d r i e d p l a n t s i n the herbarium. Moreover, i n some islands we were unable t o s t a y long, and no c o l l e c t i o n s could be made, s o t h a t our herbarium does not claim t o be ex- haustive. We f e e l t h a t a b o t a n i s t could s t i l l f i n d a number of p l a n t s e s p e c i a l l y among very recent introductions. These a r e s t i l l continuing.

When t h e Gilbertese r e t u r n from working abroad they generally b r i n g back new p l a n t s . A remarkable f a c t i s tht they almost always choose p l a n t s with e i t h e r ornamental leaves or f r a g r a n t flowers which may be fashioned i n t o the l e i s and garlands required f o r t h e dances and songs t h a t form s o important a p a r t of the d a i l y l i f e i n these islands. Singing and dancing a r e a r e a l need f o r these people, who would have l i t t l e joy i n l i f e without them.

We have not, of course, r e f e r r e d t o uses of no economic significance such as those connected with games, magic,etc. Finally, most of t h e crypto- gams do not appear a f t e r t h e phanerogams l i s t e d , s i n c e the i d e n t i f i c a t i o n s awaited from Professor R. Heim of the Paris Y~seum have not y e t reached us.

The algae from fish-ponds were i d e n t i f i e d by D r . Francis Drouet, see Ap- pendix I, p.

187.

D r . Katherine Luomala, of the University of Hawaii, very kindly pro- vided us with a copy of her manuscript on ethnobotany of t h e Gilbert Islands, including a h i s t o r y of p l a n t c o l l e c t i n g i n the G i l b e r t Islands. Since t h a t time it has been published a s B u l l e t i n 213 of t h e Bernice P. Bishop Museum, 1953. Material included i n it has d e l i b e r a t e l y not been repeated here, as t h e o r i g i n a l may be consulted.

L i s t of p l a n t species

Abutilon indicum ( L . ) Sweet Maalvaceae Group 111.

E i l b e r t e s e name: t e kaura n i banaba; English name: Indian mallori.

Locality: Tarawa, no. 124; Ocean I . , 124 b i s .

This i s very r a r e i n the G i l b e r t s , seen only on Bikenibeu, where a Pew specimens had been planted a s ornamentals i n f r o n t of a native house. It i s ( 1 ) Through the courtesy of the a u t h o r i t i e s of the Museum d f H i s t o i r e Natur- e l l e , Paris, it has been possible t o reexamine specimens of most of the p l a n t s numbered 1-139. Changes i n t h e nomenclature of c e r t a i n of these have been incorporated i n t o t h e following l i s t t o bring it i n t o accord with the names generally i n use i n r e c e n t papers on P a c i f i c c o r a l a t o l l s .

Where t h e r e seems some room f o r disagreement about the group t o which t h e p l a n t has been assigned, the suggestion of a d i f f e r e n t placing has been indicated i n parentheses.

-

^Ed.

very conunon on Ocean I s l a n d (Banaba) whence it vas doubtless brought, as in- d i c a t e d by t h e Gilbertese name.

Acacia farnesiana Willd. Leguminosae. Group 111.

English: Spring aroma Locality: Nikunau, no.

154

Medium-sized shrub, very r a r e i n t h e G i l b e r t s , seen only i n a v i l l a g e on Niltunau.

Uses: The very f r a g r a n t flowers a r e used i n garlands.

-

Acalypha amentacea var. Euphorbiaceae. Group I11 Gilbertese: t e aronga. English: copper l e a f .

Locality: Abaiang, no. 78

This ornamental shrub, with r e d leaves, 1nay be over 2 m t a l l ; it i s found on a l l t h e islands, mostly i n v i l l a g e s .

Uses: The leaves a r e used i n garlands.

-

Acalypha amentacea var. Euphorbiaceae

.

^Group

Gilbertese: t e aronga Locality: Abaiang, no. 44.

A shrub

1 . 5

t o 2 m t a l l , with b r o m - p u r p l i s h houses and v i l l a g e s .

111.

leaves; planted around Uses: The leaves a r e used i n garlands. The Gilbertese do not e a t t h e young shoots o r leaves 11hich a r e cooked a s vegetables i n other a r e a s of t h e

-

P a c i f i c .

Acalypha ainentacea wr

.

Euphorbiaceae. Group 111.

Locality: Tarawa, no.

1x5;

^Nauru, 115 b i s

This very r a r e p l a n t was seen only a t t h e Residency a t Bairilri, and on Beru, where it was about 1 r;n t a l l . It i s vepy comon on Nauru, where it fonns hedges, and whence it vas probably brought by Gilbertese employed. i n t h e phosphate works.

A d i a n t w cuneatum L. & F. Polypodiaceae. ^' Group 111.

Locality: B a i r i k i , Tarawa, no. 111

This f e r n about 40 cm t a l l i s c u l t i v a t e d i n pots on verandas of Euro- pean houses.

Agave sp.

-

Arnaryllidaceae. Group 111.

Gilbertese: t e robu (English: rope) English: green a l o e Locality: Betio, Tarava, no. 119

Only a f e v p l a n t s seen i n Tarawa, Abaiang, Arorae and Nikunau.

Uses:

-

After r e t t i n g , e x c e l l e n t f i s h i n g l i n e s can be inade from t h e f i b e r s

.

Allarnanda c a t h a r t i c a L. Apocynaceae. Group 111.

Locality: Tarawa, no.

1x7

A l i a n a with l a r g e yellow flowers, very r a r e , seen only i n garden a t B a i r i k i , Tarawa and i n Beru. Very ornanental.

Amaranthus dubius Mart. Amrantaceae

.

Group 111.

Locality: Tarawa, no.

94

This weed, 30-40 ^{c r i ~} t a l l , v i t h l i g h t green iiiflorescence, was seen only oil Betio I s l e t . It i s one of t h e food p l a n t s of Ethrnia colonella tlals.

Angelonia a n g u s t i f o i i a Benth. Scrophulariaceae. Group 111.

Locality: B a i r i k i , Tararra, no.

137

A blue-flowered p l a n t , not over 35 cm t a l l , found only i n European gardens.

Antigonon leptopus H. ^& A. Polygonaceae. Group 111.

English: c o r a l vine

Locality: Tararia, no. 108

Climber, with o l d rose flowers, seen only i n t h e garden of t h e Resi- dency a t B a i r i k i .

Artocarpus a l t i l i s (park. ) Fosb

.

^Moraceae

.

Group 11, Gilbertese: t e mai (general name)

Locality: Mission, B u t a r i t a r i , no. 85, 86; Tarava, no, 122; Betio, Tararua, no. 133.

Nos. 85 and 122 represent v a r i e t y t e bukiraro; no.

86,

t e rnai kora;

no. 133, t e moti n i wae.

Artocarpus mariannensis Trec. Group X I . Locality: Tara~ia, 110. 1 2 1

This i s v a r i e t y t e maitarika.

&tocarpus a l t i l i s X rnariannensis Group 11.

Locality: Tarawa, nos. 120, 123

No. 120 represents v a r i e t y t e mai; no. 123, v a r i e t y t e ang n i Makin.

For a d e t a i l e d study of Artocarpus, s e e chapter

6.

Asclepias curassavica L. Asclepiadaceae. Group 111.

Locality: Tarawa, no. 1 5 1

Very r a r e i n t h e G i l b e r t s , seen only once a t Bilcenibeu and once ^{i i l} t h e v i l l a g e a t Betio.

The l a r v a of Lknais plexippus usually feeds on t h i s p l a n t , and t h e in- s e c t i s very r a r e i n t h e G i l b e r t s , only one was seen i n t h e space of s i x months, i n t h e Residency garden i n B a i r i k i .

Asplenium L. Polypodiaceae.

Locality: Tarawa, no. 112

Seen only a8 c u l t i v a t e d f e r n i n a European house, B a i r i k i .

Bscopa rnonnieri (L. ) v. t J e t t s t

.

Scrophulariaceae

.

^{Group III.}

-

Locality: B u t a r i t a r i , no. 70

A stnall plant, not over 40 cm t a l l , flowers rrhite. Seen only on the edges of t h e f i s h ponds.

Uses: The natives do not seen t o use it, b u t the missionaries a r e s a i d t o e a t

-

it i n salads, l i k e cress.

Bambusa sp.

--

Locality: Ymakei, no.

75

Robust and e r e c t g m s s , s t e w used a s f i s h i n g roas f o r very small f i s h . Barringtonia a s i a t i c a (L. ) Kurz Barringtoniaceae. Group I.

Gilbertese: Te b a i r e a t i Locality: Tarawa, no. 140.

Very r a r e i n the Gilberts, only a few t r e e s grow on Tarava, L i t t l e Makin and B u t a r i t a r i . Evidently t h e r e riere no more a t t h e time vhen Grimble wrote:

"one o r two B a i r e a t i t r e e s grov on B u t a r i t a r i and L i t t l e Makin b u t the supply of seeds is obtained mainly from t h e western beach of aiiy i s l a n d , where it i s sometimes washed ashore i n considerable number &wing t h e season of westerly gales.

"

Uses: It seemed t o us t h a t few n a t i v e s lunerr i t s use a s f i s h poison t o catch f i s h on r e e f s .

-

Boerhavia difr'usa L. Nyctaginaceae. Group I.

Gilbertese: t e wao

Locality: Tarawa, no. 13; Abemama, no. l3b.

Herbaceous p l a n t with tuberous root, very coimon everywhere. When ex- posed t o intense l i g h t t h e leaves t u r n a p q l e color.

Uses: I n cases of prolonged drought, t h e p l a n t nay be used f o r food.

M e r r i W 1 9 4 3 , p.

55)

r e p o r t s t h a t t h e r o o t s a r e eaten i n F i j i i n times of s c a r c i t y , b u t a f f e c t t h e lcidneys and should be used with caution. Generally i n t h e G i l b e r t s , t h i s p l a n t i s fed t o p i g s . I n t h e treatment of a disease c a l l e d t e ba ( r i c k e t s ?), l e a f p e t i o l e s a r e crushed and b o i l e d i n toddy. The leaves a r e used i n coiqost f o r babai plants.

Boerhavia i s one of t h e food p l a n t s of t h e l a r v a of Prodenia l i t u r a (F.).

B o e r h a v i a t e t r a n d r a F o r s t . Nyctaginaceae. G r o u p I . Gilbertese: t e wao

Locality: Bukenibeu, Tarma, no. 27

Creeper, r a t h e r comon, v i t h small mauve flowers; can l i v e on poor ground

. ^.

i f there i s enough shade. No uses linom.

Bougainvillea s p e c t a b i l i s Willd. Iiyctaginaceae

.

^{Group 111.}

Locality: Tarawa, no. 143

~ i c h i ,

uncommon i n the Gilberts, and n o t w e l l developed. Seen only i n gardens of t h e missions and of the Residency a t B a i r i k i .

Bruguiera conjugata ( L . ) Merr, Xhizophoraceae. Group I.

Gilbertese: t e tongo; t e buangi Locality: Abemana, no. 92

Sometimes occupies important areas, e s p e c i a l l y on Abeniama where it forms very dense stands on t h e sandy zone along t h c lagoon. V a r i e s , i n h e i & t betveen

4

and

5

^m, with a d i m e t e r seldom over 15 a n .

Uses: The wood i s used i n building houses (roof props).

-

Bryophyllum pinnatum

an.

^{) ICurz} Crassulaceae. Group 111.

Gilbertese: t e ang English: l i f e - p l a n t Locality: Bikenibeu, Tarawi, no. 21

Erect p l a n t 50-60 cm t a l l , leaves fleshy; r a t h e r cormon.

Uses: The flowers a r e used i n garlands. I n cases of headache, leaves a r e crushed i n water and l i q u i d used t o vash the head and make compresses

-

which can be renewed as necessary.

Calophyllum inophyllum L. Guttiferae Group I ( o r I I ? ) . Gilbertese: t e i t a i . English: punai nut (tamanu i n ~ o l y n e s i a ) Locality: Teaoraereke, Taraw., no. 41

This i s one of t h e most b e a u t i f u l t r e e s i n the Gilberts,

6-7

m t a l l usually, but occasionally up t o 12 or 1 5 rn with a diameter of 60 cm a t the base, .with a s t r a i g h t trunk and no low branches. This t r e e must have been iiiuch' more abundant formerly and i t s present s c a r c i t y i s much t o be re- g r e t t e d .

Uses: The flowers a r e used i n garlands; t h e frui'cs i n children's games. The ?rood i s excellent, hard, r e s i s t a n t and Yine-grained, and i s

-

used i n canoes, e s p e c i a l l y f o r t h e bo~r piece and r i b s . It i s a l s o used f o r diving goggles. I n T a h i t i (papy 1951), o i l extracted from the f r u i t s i s used in pharmacy and exported, but t h i s u t i l i z a t i o n i s unknown i n t h e

G i l b e r t s

.

^{. .}

Canavalia microcarpa (DC) _Piper Legminosae Group I1 o r I11 ( o r I ) G i l b e r t e s e : t e kitoko (sometimes t e rulru, general name f o r l i a n a ) Locality: Tarava, no.

9G

Growing l u x u r i a n t l y on Betio I s l e t and i n t h e garden of t h e Residency a t B a i r i k i ; poorly developed on Arorae.

Uses: The rose-mauve f l o v e r s a r e used i n garlancls. Tile n a t i v e s might be taught t h e possible use of Canavalia as a cover p l a n t .

-

Canna i n d i c a L.

-

Scitarnineae. Group 111.

Locality: Taram, no.

144.

Seen only i n gardens of European houses, and u s u a l l y yellow with c h l o r o s i s o r l a c k of >rater.

Capsicum frutescens L. Solanaceae. Group 111.

Gilbertese: t e benelca (from vinegar) English: c h i l i pepper Locality: Tarar.ra, no.

39

Shrubby p l a n t 80-100 crn t a l l , very r a r e , seen oilly on E e t i o . Uses: Used a s condiment by Europeans, b u t not by n a t i v e s .

-

Carica papaya L . Caricaceae. Group 111.

Gilbertese: t e papaya, o r t e mwemveara (according t o Luomala).

English: pawpaw, papaya.

Locality: Abemana.

Papaya t r e e s a r e r a t h e r abundant, b u t only i n v i l l a g e s . With a few ex- ceptiors,such a s those i n missionary gardens, t h e y receive no care. They may reach a height of

5

rn o r more, b u t produce few f r u i t s . The Gilbertese, except f o r children, do not seem t o care much f o r papayas, although t h e

b e t t e r c u l t i v a t e d ones have an e s p e c i a l l y good flavor. When e a t e n green, t h e f r u i t a r e cooked i n coconut milk.

Cassia o c c i d e n t a l i s L. Leguminosae. Gr0~1.p I11 English: nigger coffee

Locality: Betio I s l e t , Tarava, no. 53

Very r a r e , seen only on Betio, b u t seeming t o increase r a p i d l y . The n a t i v e s b e l i e v e i t s introduction t o d a t e from American landings. IVo Paom uses.

Cassytha f i l i f o r m i s L. Lauraceae. Group I.

Gilbertese: t e n t a n i n i

L a c a l i t y : Bikenibeu, Tarava, no. 11

Climbing p a r a s i t i c p l a n t which may e n t i r e l y cover shrubs and t r e e s , i n c l e a r i n g s and open places.

Uses: The s l i g h t l y a c i d f r u i t b a r e eaten, e s p e c i a l l y by children.

The d r i e d a n d decorticated stems a r e sometimes used f o r

-

r i r i . Fresh stems a r e used f o r s t r i n g i n g flowers i n t o garlands.

Cassytha i s one of t h e p l a n t s on which t h e l a r v a of Prodenia l i t u r a ( F . ) l i v e s .

Casuarina e q u i s e t i f o l i a L. Casuarinaceae Group I11 English: Australian pine, iron wood.

Locality: B u t a r i t a r i , no.

65.

Only 3 Casuarina t r e e s were seen i n t h e whole a r e a v i s i t e d . Two were young p l a n t s 1.8 m t a l l in tine garden of t h e Residency a t BairiKi on Tarawa, and had been p l a n t e d iil July 1951 (brought from ~ u s t r a l i a ) . The t h i r d , s a i d t o have been planted by Americans during t h e war i s on B u t a r i t a r i and i s a s t r a i g h t f i n e t r e e about 10 rn t a l l and 30 clil i n diameter, about 7 years old. I t grows near a group of houses. It i s s u r p r i s i n g t h a t t h i s t r e e i s not more abundant on these islands, a s 011 s o w n y others i n t h e Pa- c i f i c . It could p r o f i t a b l y be planted on shores not used f o r coconuts.

The c h a r t f o r Aranuka notes a s t a n d of Casuarina. A c t m l l y t h i s i s a f o r e s t of exceptionally t a l l -and dense r?izophora.

Catharanthus roseus (L. ₎ G . Don ^' Apocynaceae Group I11 Gilbertese: te b u r a r o t i . English: Madagascar periwinkle Locality: Bikenibeu, Tarawa, no. 38

Small shrub, 30-50 c m t a l l , with pink o r white flowers, seen only i n v i l l a g e s around houses. When occasionally found i n t h e jungle, it indi- c a t e s t h e fonner s i t e of a tomb o r v i l l a g e .

Uses: flowers a r e uuch prized f o r e s p e c i a l l y f i n e garlands.

-

Cenchrus echinatus L. Gramineae Group 11

Gllbertese: t e kateketeke

Locality: Bikenibeu, Tarawa, no. 32

Not very common, i n f a c t almost impossible t o f i n d before t h e r a i n s . The natives seem t o destroy i t whenever possible, apparently following in- s t r u c t i o n s given a long time ago t o check t h e r a p i d spread of t h i s g r a s s .

Uses: young p l a n t s a r e eaten by p i g s .

-

Chloris i n f l a t a Unk Gramineae Group I11 Locality: Tarawa; Abemama, no.

Not very common; grass 15-40 cm tall, with mauve inflorescences.

Probably introduced by American troops.

C l i t o r i a t e r n a t e a L. Leguninosae Group 111 Locality: Tarawa, no. 113

Seen only i n t h e garden of t h e Residency a t B a i r i l d . Royal blue flowers.

Cocos nucifera L.

-

Gilbertese: t e n i . English: coconut palm. ^{Palaae Group I o r I1 (prob. 11)} Fragments of leaves and inflorescences c o l l e c t e d on Tarawa, but unnumbered. See Chzgter

4

f o r a f u l l discussion of t h i s t r e e .

Colocasia esculenta ( L . ) Schott Araceae Group I11 ( o r 11) Gilbertese: t e taororo. English: t a r o .

Locality: B a i r i k i , Tarawa, no.

103

Taro i s l i t t l e c u l t i v a t e d i n t h e G i l b e r t s . A few p l a n t s a r e fould here and t h e r e i n t h e babai p i t s , but a r e always poorly developed, a s they do ilot s t a n d well t h e conditions under which babai thrive. Taro tubers become r o t t e n before 8 months have passed. On Betio, where we saw more than else- where we learned from t h e owners: t h a t t a o r o r o do not grow well i n babai p i t s unless d i r t i s p i l e d a t t h e bottom of t h e p i t t o r a i s e t h e p l a n t suf- f i c i e n t l y above water; t h a t without t h i s precaution, t h e tubers would s t a r t r o t t i n g a f t e r

6

months; t h a t , however, i f t h e ground is not t o o wet, tubers weighing about 750 g may be obtained, although tubers p u l l e d up when

6

months o l d a r e too o f t e n already r o t t e n t o a depth of a few cm; t h a t it i s n o t necessary t o b u i l d composts a s f o r babai.

Taro i s much l e s s appreciated than babai by t h e Gilbertese. Some l i k e it, b u t say i t i s too bland and not "heavy" enough, meaning probably t h a t it i s t a s t e l e s s and does not seem t o f i l l t h e stomach. Another objection comes from the f a c t t h a t taro, s i n c e it must be pulled up a f t e r a few months, does not form li!ce babai a reserve which can be tapped when neces- sary. Besides, s e v e r a l n a t i v e s t o l d us t h a t t h e reason they d i d n o t care f o r t a r o was t h a t it cannot be kept f o r a long time as babai i s i n t h e prepared kabuibui n i babai

.

Most of t h e t a r o s seen were more o r l e s s badly a t t a c k e d by the l a r v a of Prodenia l i t u r a (F. )

.

Cordia subcordata Lam. Boraginaceae Group I Gilbertese: t e Banava

Locality: Bikenibeu, Tarawa, no. 28b, 84; Abemama, no. 28

Not very common, b u t must have been more abundant i n t h e p a s t . Shrub forming small bushy groups, or growing a s i s o l a t e d individuals, well formed, up t o 5 m t a l l . Appears t o be more common along shores, b u t may have been more abundant i n t h e i n t e r i o r of i s l e t s before coconuts were planted t h e r e . Its increasing s c a r c i t y i s much t o be r e g r e t t e d , a s t h e wood i s valuable.

Uses: Flowers a r e much appreciated f o r garlands. Leaves a r e added t o babaicomposts. !brigs a r e used as medicine: t h e bark i s peeled off and t h e stems scraped. The scrapings a r e squeezed with water ( r a i n water i f p o s s i b l e ) by hand. The l i q u i d i s given t o drink t o people a f f l i c t e d with p e r s i s t e n t diarrhoea. The wood i s mostly used f o r canoes, e s p e c i a l l y f o r t h e key p i e c e of bov and s t e r n ( t e k a r e t a b a ) . Also used i n f i s h n e t f l o a t s . When t h e p l a n t i s shrubby, it provides good f i s h i n g poles.

Cordia i s one of t h e food p l a n t s of t h e l a r v a 0.f EEthmia colonella.

Cordyline terrninalis (L. ) Kunth L i l i a c e a e Group 111 Gilbertese: t e r a u t i

Locality: B u t a r i t a r i , no. 43

Shrubby p l a n t about 2 m t a l l , with p a l e purple flowers, grown a s orna- li~ental in v i l l a g e s around houses; seen only i n Tarava and B u t a r i t a r i .

Crinum asiaticum L. Arnaryllidaceae Group I1

Gilbertese: t e w u , t e kiebu.

Locality: Teaoraereke, Tarawa, no. 42

Cultivated i n v i l l a g e s , where flowers a r e much appreciated. Also often marks t h e s i t e of ancient graves. Mean h e i g h t of 50 cm.

Uses: Flowers a r e used i n garlands. The young inner leaves a r e crushed and t h e juice squeezed out and poured i n t h e e a r i n cases of earache.

-

Cucurbita pep0

-

L. Cucurbitaceae Group 111

Gilbertese: t e baulcin. English: pumpkin Locality: B a i r i k i , Tararia, no. 136

Cucurbits a r e pr0r.m i n most i s l a n d s . There appear t o be both squashes and pumpkins. I n sorre v i l l a g e s i n t h e south islands, t h e p l a n t s cover most of the space between houses ( p l a t e XIVb).

Cycas c i r c i n a l i s L.

-

Cycadaceae

English: sago-palm, Cycas Locality: Taraiia, no.

147

Group I11

Very r a r e i n t h e Gilberts, some f i n e specimens not over 2.50 m t a l l were seen a t B u t a r i t a r i and i n t h e garden of t h e Residency a t B a i r i k i , Tarawa

.

Cyperus compressus L. Cyperaceae Group 111

L o c a l i t y : Tarawa, no.

99

P l a n t 20 cm t a l l , inflorescences p a l e green. Seen only oil Betio I s l e t . Cyperus javanicus Houtt. Cyperaceae Group I1 ( o r I )

G i l b e r t e s e : t e r i t a n i n

Locality: Bikenibeu, Tarawa, no. 20

Plant 50-60 cm t a l l , found. mostly a s a weed i n poorly tended babai p i t s .

Uses: Inflorescences a r e used i n making garlands, stems i n r i r i .

-

Cyperus l a e v i g a t u s L. Cyperaceae Group I o r 11

~ i l b e r t e s e : t e maunei L o c d i t y : Nikunau, no. 129

Sedge not over 50 cm t a l l , with brown inflorescences, growing on t h e edge of t h e lakes, with water coming up t o

113

of i t s height.

Uses: Used i n rirt. The stems can be p u l l e d off without uprooting t h e whole p l a n t .

Cyperus polystachyos

-

^Rottb. Cyperaceae Group 111

L,ocality: Betio, Tarava, no. 98

Plant 30-45 cm t a l l , inflorescences p a l e green tending toward yellov.

Very comon on Betio.

Cyperus ro-tundus L. Cyperaceae Group I1 o r I11 (probably 111) Locality: Tarava, no. 100; N'ikunau, no. 131b

Plant 30 cm t a l l , inflorescences dark red. Very common on Betio, seen a l s o on Nikunau, where it i s r a r e .

Cyrtosperma chamissonis ( ~ c h o t t ) Merr

.

Gilbertese: t e babai

Group I1 Locality: Nikunau, no. 127

See chapter 7

Datura metel

-

L. Solanaceae Group I11 Gilbertese: t e uriiitiana English: thorn-apple Locality: Tarawa, no. 01

Shrub with mauve flowers, up t o 1.20 m t a l l , found i n v i l l a g e s a s ornamental. Seen only on Tarawa, B u t a r i t a r i and Abaiang.

Delonix r e g i a (Bo

-

j

.

) Raf. Legiuninosae Group 1x1 Gilbertese: t e t u a English: flame t r e e

Locality: Tarawa, no. 149

Flame t r e e s a r e very r a r e i n t h e G i l b e r t s , seen only i n some v i l l a g e s of Taratra, Beru and Aranuka, as i s o l a t e d specimens. Only those on Aranuka seemed normally developed.

Digitaria. pruriens var. microbachne ( P r e s l ) Fosb.

--

Gran~ineae Group I11

Gilbertese: t e u t e u t e (means g r a s s ) ( o r 11)

Locality: Tararia, no. 131a, 132

Grass not over 50 cm t a l l , with grey-green inflorescences, seen only on Taratra and Abemama, uncommon.

Dodonaea viscosa ( L . ) Jacq. Sapindaceae Group I1 Gilbertese: t e kaiboia

Locality: Tarawa, no. 60

Shrub r a t h e r conunon i n t h e Gilberts, 3 t o

6

iii t a l l . Grows mostly on t h e s i t e of former v i l l a g e s , probably because numerous seeds were s c a t t e r e d t h e r e while garlands were being made.

Uses: F r u i t s a r e used i n garlands. Young leaves a r e used t o p e r f w e coconut o i l . Stems give good f i s h i n g poles, and a l s o frames f o r d i p n e t s .

-

Eleocharis geniculata ( L . ) R . & S. Cyperaceae Group 111 ( o r 11) Gilbertese: t e maunei

Locality: Bikenibeu, Tarana, no. 37

P l a n t 8-10 cm t a l l , never seen outside babai p i t s . The same name, t e rnaunei i s applied t o Cyperus laevigatus

L.

Eleusine i n d i c a (L. ) Gaertn. Grarnineae Group 111 Gilbertese: t e u t e u t e ( g r a s s )

Locality: Bilcenibeu, Taram, no.

35;

Abemama, no. 89 This r a t h e r cormon grass i s eaten by pigs when young.

Eragrostis amabilis ( L . ) W. & A. Gramineae Group 111 Gilbertese: t e u t e u t e t e a i n e (female g r a s s )

Locality: Bikenibeu, Tarawa, no.

36

Very common g r a s s , found more i n t h e i n t e r i o r , along roads, than along shores.

Uses: Inflorescences a r e used i n garlands. Children a l s o a t t a c h them t o s t i c k s t o chase f l i e s .

-

Euphorbia chamissonis Boiss. Euphorbiaceae Group I

Gilbertese: t e t a r a i

Locality: Bikeiiibeu, Taram, nos. 8, 24.

Very comon on a l l t h e islands; p l a i ~ t s 30-40 cm t a l l .

Uses: The p l a n t i s used a s a purgative. The l a t e x i s a l s o c o l l e c t e d i n a ~ : h e l l

--

of t e koilsoi

e ell en

scobinata L.), mixed v i t h a l i t t l e mahoto (coconut water), arid t h e ~:iixture given t o people saved from drowning, Lo

~ i ~ a k e them throw up t h e m t e r absorbed.

This species is one of the food p l a n t s of t h e l a r v a of Prodenia l i t u r a ( F . ) .

Xuph0rbi.a heterophylla L.

- --.-

Euphorbiaceae Group I11 Gilbertese : t e kabelrau

Locality: Bet.io, Tarava, no.

55

Uncommon p l a n t , 35-110 cm t a l l , very r e c e n t l y iiltroduced by American troops.

Uses: Leaves a r e used i n garlands.

--

Euphorbia h i i t a

-

L. Euphorbiaceae Group I11 Gilbertese: t e t a r a i

Locality: Teaoraereke, Tarawa, no. 83 Plant about 40 cl;i t a l l .

Euphorbia p r o s t r a t a A i t . Euphorbiaceae Group 111 Locality: Bikenibeu, Taram, no. 23

Lori creeping plant, 10-30 cm across, branched, ieaves dark r e d .

Very couunon around v i l l a g e s i n alnlost a l l i s l a n d s i l l ~ h d i n g Nikunau, Ueru,

&nd Arorae where American troops d i d not go. The name " t e amerika" used i n Tarawa, and implying introduction by American troops t h e r e f o r e does ilot seem J u s t i f i e d .

Ficus c a r i c a L.

-

^{Lloraceae Group I11}

Gilbertese: t e biku. English: Pig Locality: Abemama, no. 150

Fig t r e e s a r e very r a r e i n t h e G i l b e r t s , and a r e found only i n 'iission gardens. They develop well and t h e i r f m i t a r e e x c e l l e n t . The Gilbertese could probably obtain good f r u i t by giving t h e t r e e s t h e same care a s t o b r e a d f r u i t .

Ficus t i n c t o r i a var. neo-ebudarum (SUXII.) Fosb. iviorazeae Group I ( o r 11)

-

Gilbertese: t e bero

Locality: Bikenibeu, Taraxa, no..

3

Trees

4-7

m t a l l , about 4 0 cm around a t 1 iil above t h e ground; i n t h e southern i s l a n d s , they a r e s m a l l e r a n d t h e truulis not over 25 cm around.

It i s a c u l t i v a t e d p l a n t . Each landoimer has a f e v plants on h i s land.

Reproduction i s usually by c u t t i n g s , spontaneous seeding i s r a r e .

Uses: The f r u i t s a r e picked when r i p e , sometimes when green, cooi,ed, mashed with a p e s t l e or i n a meatgrinder.

-

The puree can be eaten a f t e r being sweetened with kamalmai o r sugar, o r preserved f o r f u t u r e use. 'It i s

then c a l l e d kabuibui n i bero and i s prepared a s follmrs: t h e puree i s spread t h i n l y on vide Guettarda leaves spread on coconut l e a f mats, and l e f t t o dry i n the sun f o r 3-11 days. The Guettarda leaves a r e changed everyday a s long as t h e p a s t e remains s t i c k y , l a t e r it i s placed on a s u i t - able surface, coconut l e a f Inat, board, t o complete drying. When dry, ka- buibui n i bero i s s t o r e d i n t i n cans and w i l l keep f o r s e v e r a l months. The

f r u i t s a r e a l s o used, though much l e s s now than formerly, t o dye various objects such a s h a t s , mats, e t c . This dye was preferred t o t e non ( ~ o r i n d a c i t r l f o l i a ) .

The leaves a r e fed t o pigs, sometimes used i n composts f o r babai or b r e a d f r u i t . Branches a r e sometimes used i n building houses, e s p e c i a l l y a s supports f o r roof .thatching.

Firnbristylis cymosa var. Cyperacetle Group II ^{o r} 111 (prsb- Gilber.tese: t e u t e u t e t e mane (male g r a s s ) ably I)

Locality: Bikenibeu, Tsrawa, no.

9

The most common her'b on t h e i s l a n d s , and t h e most r e s i s t a n t t o drought.

Forming t u f t s

.