Ethnobotany of Stetsonia coryne (Cactaceae), the "cardón" of the Gran Chaco

ARENAS, P.; SCARPA, G.F.

HASELTONIA

Society of Cactus & Suculent Plants

Lugar: Berkeley, U.S.A.; Año: 1999 vol. 6 p. 42 - 51

1070-0048

Stetsonia coryne (Salm-Dyck) Britton et Rose is an arborescent cactus endemic to the Gran Chaco region.  This report summarizes some ethnobotanical data obtained during fieldwork among indigenous groups (Ayoreo, Choroti, Chulupí, Lengua, Mataco, Maká, Toba, Toba-Pilagá) and "criollo" settlers of the area.  Collection of plant specimens and interviews were carried out with native informants from several villages of the Paraguayan and the Argentinean Chaco.  Data are substantiated with voucher plant material (BACP), with taped recordings, and in field books.  Local names, parts of the plant employed, different ways of harvesting, preparation, and preservation, as well as uses of the species are presented.  In addition, some information about beliefs and perceptions of this plant within the respective cultures is given.  As a result of the present fieldwork, several different uses for this plant were recorded, the most important ones being its use for food, for hedges, as a water resource, for tattoos, as fuel, as fodder, and for making various tools and other devices.