Ripe, they are nourishment as food and drink by land and sea.
When old, they yield oil for lighting, and a curative balsam.

The shells are good for cups and bottles.

The fibres furnish tow for caulking a ship; and to make cables, ropes, and ordinary string, the best for an arquebus.

Of the leaves they make sails for their canoes, and fine mats with which they cover their houses, built with trunks of the trees, which are straight and high.

From the wood they get planks, also lances and other weapons, and many things for ordinary use, all very durable.