Tropical Theme Gardens - Materials
This page contains links to background information on some of the materials that items such as gazebos or outdoor furniture may be constructed from.
The source of imported tropical timbers is of particular concern. Try to select materials that have been derived through legal and sustainable practices. Ask your supplier. Australian-grown or synthetic substitutes are other options.
Using coconut wood in: Unasylva - No. 153 - The changing face of forest industry. Forestry Dept, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
The coconut palm from: "Non-Forest Tree Plantations". Forestry Dept, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Imperata - A problem or a solution? from: In Place of the Forest -
Environmental and Socio-economic Transformation in Borneo and the Eastern Malay Peninsula by
H Brookfield, L. Potter, and Y. Byron (1995). United Nations University Press
PlantZAfrica.com check the "Plants of SA" menu for information about Thamnochortus insignis, one of the Cape Reeds, also known as Thatching Reed. South Africa
Hyparrhenia Grassland Species profiles, Food and Agriculture Oganisation of the United Nations. Several species of this genus of grass (especially H. hirta) is used for thatching
Kwila Intsia bijuga (formerly Afzelia bijuga syn. Afzelia australis), I. palembanica. Qld Dept Primary Industries
Intsia bijuga (Kwila or Merbau timber) Tree Conservation Information Service, Global Trees Campaign
Arenga pinnata Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia. Also known as Black Sugar Palm or Black Fibre Palm, source of Arenga Fibre (Gumati or Gomuti Fibre)
The abaca plant (Musa textilis or Manilla Hemp) is the source of a valuable fibre used for fabrics, rope and paper. Bacbac (used for thatching, crafts) is prepared from the outer leaf sheaths of the plant.
Abaca Abaca Fibre Industry Development Authority, Phillipines
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