[Mihalic] Plants of Madang

[Thomas Slone]

I recently obtained a copy of the book, Useful Plants of Salemben 
Village, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea by Amova Petir, Dum 
Materem, Pakong Yapong, Sakel Mukarek, Moyang Okira and Tim 
Platts-Mills (Christensen Research Institute, 1996).  There are a few 
TP terms in there that I haven't seen elsewhere.  Any comments on how 
widespread these are?

Kuranga (p. 32): "fish tail palm" (Caryota rumphiana)

Tumbuna brus (p. 39): a leaf that was traditionally smoked like 
tobacco; it is no longer used (Erigeron sumatrensis). I suspect there 
may have been other plants used as tobacco that may be referred to 
locally as "tumbuna brus"; anyone know any?

Klarased (p. 40): an introduced tree that is used to provide shade, 
improve soils and make fences (Gliricidia sepium). Unclear what the 
etymology is here.

Pawpaw diwai (p. 50): large tree with edible fruits; seeds are used 
for decoration and to make a rattle (Pouteria macklayana)

Skin diwai (p. 66): A tree in the cinnamon genus (Cinamomum 
culillawan), the bark is used medicinally (hence the name) and the 
wood is valuable source of timber.

Wel galip (p. 67): The authors identify this as an unknown but 
different species of Canarium, "The nut is smaller than that from the 
Galip Trees (Canarium indicum) that are abundant on Karkar Island." 
This addresses the query for theg galip entry.  It has an edible nut 
and the tree is used for timber.

Wel kapok (p. 85): Used for timing the creation and planting of new 
gardens (Bombax ceiba).

Limbum (p. 94): A different species of palm (Gulubia costata) than is 
identified in Mihalic (Kentiopsis archontophoenix) that is also used 
for flooring.

--Tom Slone
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