Growing buri

Buri (Corypha elate) is one of the Philippine palms with multiple uses. Buri can survive 70 to 100 years and, for this reason, it is known as the centennial plant by many rural people.

Buri palm has many domestic and industrial economic uses, making it well known in local and international markets. Buntal fiber is the chief raw product and has a variety of uses. Buri is second to coconut and comparable to nipa in terms of economic and industrial importance.

Buri

Fruiting tree

Longitudinal section of the fruit

SITE REQUIREMENTS

Buri is widely adaptable to all types of soils. It grows best at low altitudes although it can thrive on hills and plateaus up to 600 m above sea level.

PROPAGATION METHODS

Natural regeneration of burl occurs when ripe fruits naturally fall on the ground or are dispersed by animals such as fruit bats.

In field conditions, seed pre-treatment using hilar removal plus soaking the seeds overnight in a fungicidal solution can accelerate germination. Sowing seeds in sterilized soil can yield satisfactory seed germination results.

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE FOR THE RAPID GERMINATION OF BURI

1. If the fruits were collected from the source, the pulp should be yellowish to brown in color indicating the relative maturity The fruit must be sun-dried for 2-3 days, then macerated to remove the pulp and other impurities. Seeds should be washed thoroughly with water.

Then macerated to remove the pulp and other impurities

2. Remove the hilar cover by using a sharp cutter. Check to ensure that the embryo is attached to the endosperm of the seed. If not attached, soak the seeds in water for 1 to 2 weeks. If the embryo is already attached to the endosperm of the seed. remove the hilum. Soak the seeds overnight the fungicidal solution (Delsene Mx or Captan) before sowing.
3. Sow the seeds in plastic trays with 3 sheets of filter paper. In the absence of filter paper, a seed germination box may be used.

Sow the seeds in plastic trays with 3 sheets

4. Wrap the trays with plastic bags to avoid excessive drying of the substrate.

Wrap the trays with plastic bags

5. Germination starts after 2-3 days. Two-week old germinants can be planted in polyethylene bags filled with soil.

Germination starts after 2-3 days

6. When four leaves have appeared, the seedling may be planted in the field.

PLANTATION ESTABLISHMENT

1. The area should be cleared of brush.

2. Staking and preparation of planting holes are done one month before outplanting. The recommended spacing is 6m × 6m.

3. Ring weeding should be done every month. However, it is recommended to brush the whole area every three months.

4. Dead seedlings should be replaced immediately.

HARVESTING

Buri leaves can be harvested at 7 years. The scarcity of raw materials for handicraft-making is the result of the vanishing natural stands in the country.

Several parts of the burl palm have many uses:

Leaves	- used as weaving material for bags, wallets, hats, trays, placemats, tissue holders, hampers and mats; used as covers for tobacco bales and also for thatches and walling. Young leaves are used in wrapping rice cakes.
Petioles	- made into buntal fibers, hats, ropes, baskets, wallets and bags; pounded and made into brooms.
Midribs	- used in making sale sets, hampers, waste baskets, trays, tables, cigarette cases, brooms and other items.
Sap	- fermented to produce wine (locally known as tuba), alcohol and vinegar; made into syrup, sugar, jam, muscovado sugar (panocha) and starch.
Buds	- eaten raw or cooked as vegetable dish.
Young seeds	- The endosperm are cooked and made into sweets.
Mature seeds	- used as buttons, playing marbles and rosary beads.
Raffia fiber	- utilized in the manufacture of cloth, good quality hats, mats and bags; The coarse fiber of young buds are made into ropes and sacks.
Pitch or Ubod	- used in salads, pickles and other recipes.
Roots	- Water from boiled roots is used as a herbal medicine beverage.
Bahi	- (the outer part of the trunk) as lumber for building/construction materials.
Whole frond	- used as shelter for fish.