Licuala spinosa
Family Name:    Arecaceae (Palmae)
Synonyms:    Licuala horrida Blume, Licuala pilearia, Licuala ramosa
Common Name:    Palas, Mangrove Fan Palm, Spiny Licuala Palm


Licuala spinosa is a densely clumping palm of medium height, with slender stems and heads of circular, divided fan leaves. It is common in cultivation and may reach 3-4 m height. Known as the spiny Licuala because the leafstalk are savagely armed with many tiny, pointed spines.


uses
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The bark is used in combination with other plants for the treatment of tuberculosis.
In Borneo, the leaf's fireproof durability is of critical utility in preparing blowpipe dart poison - the latex of Antiaris toxicaria is held on a folded boat-shaped young leaf of this plant and then held over a small flame for about a week.
The young leaves are used as wrappings for foods such as glutinous rice desserts.
The leaves are used to make raincoats.
The wood of the stems is used.