Textile Plants

The paper mulberry (u'a, Broussonetia papyrifera) was extensively cultivated from cuttings by the women folk. On more than one occasion I saw a woman with a bundle of short cuttings, which she was going to plant in the bush cultivation on the following morning. Fresh crops were planted from time to time to keep up the supply. Some may be seen growing near the houses but the large stock is back in the bush usually dotted here and there amongst the other plants of the garden.

Species of pandanus (laufala, laupaongo, lau'ie) were planted for mat material, though the wild growing pandanus may be used on occasion. The undergrowth is cut. The old leaves are usually plucked off, and the growing heads may be bound round the base with a strip of leaf.