Anahaw is the national leaf of the Philippines.
Pambansang Dahon
National Leaf
The palm tree’s scientific name is Saribus rotundifolius (formerly Livistona rotundifolia). It’s called the round-leaf fountain palm or footstool palm in English and serdang in other Southeast Asian countries.
Anahaw leaves are used for thatching and food wrapping. (Quezon province is known for wrapping their tikoy Gumaca in anahaw leaves.) The tree itself is great for landscaping purposes. Anahaw bud is highly esteemed as a vegetable. Nuts are eaten when young and green. The rind is tasty when ripe.
The whole fan palm is used as an ornamental for both indoors and outdoors. It also serves as expedient watershed protection. The trunk is strong and is durable if not exposed to harsh weather conditions.It is ideal for fishpen knot poles, house posts, and fuel. The harsh outer wood is split into strips 5-10 cm wide and used for flooring and panelling. It is highly preferred for the pingga or “shoulder pole” of the Chinese and Filipino pack carriers.
Anahaw starts to flower from March to July. The palm stars to bear fruits at age 10 attaining a 20-cm diameter at breast height an a 5-8 m height. Mature fruits are ready for collection from August to September.
Other names and spelling variations: abiang, ana-au, anau, bagsang, bahi, luyong, palma brava, pilig, balak, buhu, ingaing
KAHULUGAN SA TAGALOG
anáhaw: katutubòng palma, may makinis na bunged at may mga dahong nakakumpol sa dulo ng bunged, itinuturing na Pambansang Dahon ng Pilipinas
