Abstract

BRENA-BUSTAMANTE, Paulina et al. Utilization of stalk and flower buds of Agave kerchovei in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico. Bot. sci [online]. 2013, vol.91, n.2, pp.181-186. ISSN 2007-4476.

The Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve is a province of great richness etno-floristic which highlights the genus Agave for its specific diversity and multiple resources offered to residents. Agave kerchovei Lem. is a species of particular interest in the use of floral structure. The aim of this study was to obtain information about the traditional use and knowledge of the resources derived from A. kerchovei in San Rafael, Puebla, and San Gabriel Casa Blanca, Oaxaca, Mexico. Group interviews were conducted with men and women related to home and fields activities, who were applied a structured questionnaire with three sections: (1) identification by photographs of the species and utilized structures, (2) place, collection form and use, and (3) amount and frequency of collection of A. kerchovei. This agave is known as cacayas and rabo de león. The structures used are the flower buds ('capullos') as food for both humans and livestock of sheep and goats, the form of use is very varied and collecting is particular. Respondents indicated that their collect sites are close to their settlements and collections are done during the months of October to December. During this period seven quiotes are harvested, going on more than five occasions. Information on A. kerchovei is limited, so that this study extends their traditional knowledge and cultural importance.

Keywords : agaves; cacayas; ethnobotany; rabo de león.

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