Tawhtan

Tawhtan (Livistonia jenkinsiana Griff.) is the preferred roofing material in the Hukaung Valley of Kachin State, Myanmar. Villagers occasionally make small plantations of the species (shown above) to have a readily available source of palm thatch. The leaves are harvested and then carefully folded and aligned to make a surprisingly waterproof and airy roof (see Roof Aesthetics 2 and Roof Repair). [NOTE: The tawhtan thatch shown below is somewhat old and will probably be replaced soon.]