Zel Mouche (F)

In the wet mountain rainforest is found two species of plants of the genus Cyclanthacae that have large leaves which are divided into two like the letter 'V'. The Caribs called them munusiali, meaning "twin leaf". To the early French settlers the leaves reminded them of flies' wings so they called them "les ailes de mouche" and this became the Creole, "Zel Mouche". One type, Cyclanthacae insignis, grows on the ground, while the other, Cyclanthacae plumieri, climbs on trees. Both were used by Caribs and other later hunters and canoe builders or lumbermen to cover their temporary overnight shelters or ajoupas. The stems of the Zel Mouche are tucked under a frame of thin round wood gaulettes to attach them to the frame of the roof of the ajoupa. Dozens of these glossy large leaves are needed to make a roof for an average shelter, but since they grow in numerous clumps these leaves are readily available.

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