Arenga/Gumati
Country of Origin - Indonesia
Arenga - Gumati(Arenga saccharifera Labill)
Whilst this palm is widely distributed, the only source of brush fibre is Indonesia. The fibre is harvested from the Arenga Pinnata Palm. Gumati is softer and finer than Bahia Bass, but has similar excellent wearing and sweeping qualities. It does not crush easily or rot, and is very hard wearing and resilient. Brushes manufactured with Gumati are excellent for sweeping dry concrete and smooth floors such as in warehouses. Gumati has also become relatively expensive over the last few years, and is now often mixed with cheaper fibres such as Palmyra and Coir to reduce the brush fibre cost.
This palm has been known and exploited for centuries by indigenous communities for a multitude of purposes. Its leaves are used for thatch and for darts for blowguns, its male flowers are used for feeding domestic animals, the pulp of its fruits is used for attracting game animals, its seeds are used for making figurines etc., and most importantly the fibre from its leaf sheaths is extracted and used to make various brooms and brushes. This fibre is almost identical to “Piassaba” fibre extracted from species of Attalea and Leopoldinia elsewhere in the Amazon.
Selection of our products using this fibre
Indonesia
Indonesia is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural diversity. With over 17,000 islands, it boasts diverse landscapes, from the pristine beaches of Bali to the lush rainforests of Sumatra. Indonesia is renowned for its active volcanoes, with over 130 of them, including iconic peaks like Mount Bromo and Mount Rinjani. The nation's rich biodiversity makes it a global hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts, with unique species such as the orangutan and the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard, found here.
Culturally, Indonesia is a tapestry of traditions and ethnic groups. Its people speak more than 700 languages, reflecting the country's ethnic diversity. The majority of Indonesians practice Islam, but the nation also embraces Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and indigenous belief systems, fostering an atmosphere of religious tolerance.
Indonesia's history is a tale of empires and colonization, with influences from Indian, Chinese, and European cultures. The nation gained independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945. Despite its challenges, Indonesia has emerged as a major player in the global economy and politics, being one of the world's most populous countries. The unique blend of culture, nature, and history makes Indonesia a captivating destination for travelers and a nation of lasting significance on the world stage.
Indonesia
Indonesia is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural diversity. With over 17,000 islands, it boasts diverse landscapes, from the pristine beaches of Bali to the lush rainforests of Sumatra. Indonesia is renowned for its active volcanoes, with over 130 of them, including iconic peaks like Mount Bromo and Mount Rinjani. The nation's rich biodiversity makes it a global hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts, with unique species such as the orangutan and the Komodo dragon, the world's largest lizard, found here.
Culturally, Indonesia is a tapestry of traditions and ethnic groups. Its people speak more than 700 languages, reflecting the country's ethnic diversity. The majority of Indonesians practice Islam, but the nation also embraces Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and indigenous belief systems, fostering an atmosphere of religious tolerance.
Indonesia's history is a tale of empires and colonization, with influences from Indian, Chinese, and European cultures. The nation gained independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945. Despite its challenges, Indonesia has emerged as a major player in the global economy and politics, being one of the world's most populous countries. The unique blend of culture, nature, and history makes Indonesia a captivating destination for travelers and a nation of lasting significance on the world stage.