Sago palms, Metroxylon (Arecaceae) in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands: traditional and current uses

Abstract

The sago palms Metroxylon salomonense (Warb.) Becc. and M. wareburgii (Heim) Becc. are widespread throughout eastern Melanesia. Sago was traditionally harvested from the stems of these plants, but presently this use is confined to the northern Solomon Islands. The palms are used throughout the region as material for building houses the leaves provide a durable thatch, and the pertioles are used for supports and beams. Minor uses for many parts of the palms have also been recorded. The natural distribution of both species has been obscured by the movement of plants by humans.