THE USE OF SABAL URESANA (ARECACEAE) AND OTHER PALMS IN SONORA, MEXICO

Sabal uresana was the palm most often discussed in published historic accounts from Sonora, Mexico, and the only palm mentioned from the ear liest written documents to the present. An inventory of topographic ma ps identified 337 palm place names, thus reinforcing the cultural sign ificance of palms in this region. Participant observation and formal i nterviews were used to learn how wild-harvested palms are utilized in present-day Sonora. Sabal uresana is the most economically important p alm. Its leaves are employed for weaving, the major use of palms in th is region, and for thatching and broom-making. Palm logs are used for construction and the fruits are eaten in certain parts of the state. T he use of palms in Sonora is changing. Weaving and thatching could pro bably be maintained as viable crafts and sources of income with approp riate resource management and marketing.