Need help identifying plant material on WW2 Japanese helmet

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by SCOTTBR, Jun 21, 2014.

  1. SCOTTBR

    SCOTTBR New Member

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    Location:
    Fairbanks
    I am a wildlife biologist, and also a collector of WW2 militaria. I live in Alaska and have lived in northern Europe, but have little experience with tropical plants.

    I believe the material on this Japanese helmet cover is sugarcane, but I am thrown off by the serrated edges, as can be seen in these pictures. I only know that this item was brought back by a US Marine at the end of the war. From the characteristics of the cover, I am guessing it came from Okinawa. Does anyone know what species of plant this is, and if so, where it occurs? The leaves are very old and brittle.

    Thanks,

    Scott
     

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    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 23, 2014
    SCOTTBR, Jun 21, 2014
    #1
  2. Tony Rodd

    Tony Rodd Active Member

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    Almost certainly Pandanus, and on Okinawa this would be the ubiquitous Pacific species P. tectorius.
     
    Tony Rodd, Jun 22, 2014
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  3. SCOTTBR

    SCOTTBR New Member

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    Thank you!
     
    SCOTTBR, Jun 22, 2014
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