AMBOINESE HERBAL Book VI. Chapter I.

The reed itself is much thicker than any preceding species of Leleba A type of bamboo, and as hard as Bulu Swangi literally "Ghost Bamboo", with short nodes and not very straight. Its leaves are like those of the Leleba, or perhaps just as broad, except for the lowermost ones, which are smaller than those on the Buly Seru; they are thin and smooth, lacking the small hairs seen on other Leleba. The culms the hollow stems of the bamboo are also smooth, but the sheath from which the branches sprout is very rough and hairy. The Amboinese call it Utte Onitu; on Manipa it is called Houboubo, where it is also found. It is split and made into laths because of its firmness, to be bound over fish-traps. The Chinese select the broadest leaves to wrap cooked rice in during their festival days, called Pelo Pelo.

Name. In Latin Arundarbor tenuis Thin Tree-Reed, in Malay Leleba, following the Ternate names Leleba and Louleba. In Amboinese on Hitu it is Utte Aul and Aule; on Leytimora Utte Aur; on Hoamohel Tabat. In Macassarese Bælæ Carissa, that is, Bælæ Casser, or rough bamboo, because among all bamboo species it bears the most stinging hairs. The first species is called in Malay Leleba pæti, in Amboinese Utte Aul Tuni. The second, Leleba itam Black Leleba, in Amboinese Utte Aul mette. The third, Leleba prava, in Malay Leleba Djakat, in Amboinese Utte Aul Boppo. The names of the other three rare species were indicated above.

Location. In the Western islands of "Water-India" The East Indies/Malay Archipelago, the Leleba Nun is known, though in many places it does not occur at all. On the other hand, it is abundant in Amboina and the Moluccas, growing in entire forest thickets together, both on flat mountains and in lowlands near the shores, especially the wild or broad-leafed species. On Bali it is unknown; the "painted" variety is found on Huamobel near Luhu; the true and genuine white variety in Makassar and on the northern coast of Ceram.

Use. Leleba has great use in domestic life and agriculture, for these reeds are cut into narrow strips after the outer green part is first scraped off. With these white strips, they not only sew the Amboinese shingles called Atap, from which all roofs are made (as was explained more fully in the first book regarding Sagu Sago palm), but these same shingles are also bound to the roof laths with these threads. Furthermore, they are used for all works where binding is required, such as fish baskets, household items, etc. However, for this purpose they also use other fibers that are more durable in seawater. Sometimes, as mentioned, clear water is found stagnant within this reed, which is drinkable and pleasant, especially in the dry mountains where men are often greatly vexed by thirst. However, the slaves who must carry this reed home in large bundles do not like this water, as it creates an unnecessary burden for them.

The white Leleba, because of its rarity, is planted around houses and yards, especially in Makassar, because its long white culms are frequently needed, particularly to form beautiful painted walking sticks held in the hand. Figures are burnt into them with a glowing Tampœring, or coconut shell, according to the artist's whim.

Leleba are planted by taking the entire internodes with their nodes still attached and filled with their natural water, and burying them obliquely in the earth so that one node sticks out. They also often grow spontaneously in gardens when used as bean-poles. The wild variety serves no use, unless one occasionally takes the thickest culms in the forest to use in place of pots, to cook vegetables, small fish, and shrimp in them. This is easily managed with this reed and provides a great convenience in the woods; it can also be done with the following species. The Robong the pith or young shoot of all Leleba is inedible. The Leleba growing on Pulo Run also provides much good drinking water, even on the high mountains, which is otherwise very scarce on that island; but on the remaining Banda Islands, the Leleba is unknown.

Antipathy. The antipathy observed between the European reed and the Fern is not detected in India at all. Here, nothing is more common than to see reeds growing in the midst of various species of Ferns. On the other hand, Leleba and Bælæ Seræ are very susceptible to fire, so that in the forests and high mountains they often set one another ablaze if, during dry times and the burning sun original: "ardente Sirio" - referring to the Dog Days of summer, they are rubbed against each other by strong winds, which is observed not infrequently in Ternate.