The circumference of each leaf at the extreme edge is from twenty to thirty feet, and even this latter size is said to be frequently exceeded.
Every Cingalese throughout the Kandian district is provided with a section of one of these leaves, which forms a kind of fan about six feet in length.

This is carried in the hand, and is only spread in case of rain, when it forms an impervious roofing of about three feet in width at the broad extremity.

Four or five of these sections will form a circular roof for a small hut, which resembles a large umbrella or brobdignag mushroom.
There is a great peculiarity in the talipot palm.

Is blossoms only once in a long period of years, and after this it dies.

No flower can equal the elegance and extraordinary dimensions of this blossom; its size is proportionate to its leaves, and it usurps the place of the faded crest of green, forming a magnificent crown or plume of snow-white ostrich feathers, which stand upon the summit of the tall stem as though they were the natural head of the palm.
There is an interesting phenomenon at the period of flowering.