• Home
  • About the Expedition
  • Meet the Team
  • Sponsors
• Expedition Updates
  • Notes from the Trail
  • Daily Podcast
  • Video Clips
  • Daily Dilemma
  • Mystery Photos
  • Animals of the Amazon
  • Cultural Connections
  • Cast YOUR Vote!
  • Trip Tracker Map
• Kid's Zone
  • Rainforest Library
  • Amazon Activities
  • Email the Team
  • Email an Expert
• Teacher Resources
  • Getting Started
  • Lesson Plans
  • Chat Room
  • Student Response Worksheets

The mystery photo you're looking at is of a palm roof being built for a new house in the rainforest.   The process is pretty simple, and the end result is a roof that will last up to 15 years through torrential downpours and blistering heat.

First the palm leaves are harvested out in the forest and brought back to the building site.   Next the leaves are bundled up and allowed to dry out, but only a little.   One can't work with leaves that are too dry, or they will crack.

The next step involves weaving the leaves onto a frame of bamboo or cane.   The leaves are woven tightly and have a similar design to shingles we are used to.