ETHNOBOTANY OF THE FIBER PALM ASTROCARYUM-CHAMBIRA (ARECACEAE) IN AMAZONIAN ECUADOR

Astrocaryum chambira Burret is native to the western parts of the Amaz on basin where indigenous people use it as a source of fiber. Its use among four different indigenous groups in Ecuador is described here. T hey extract fibers from the pinnae, mostly of the young leaves. Both m en and women twist the fibers into strings in their homes after huntin g and work in the fields. The main items produced are woven hammocks, bags, and nets. These products represent the main source of cash incom e for many indigenous people. The highest value for their products is obtained from sale directly to tourists. The commercial use of A. cham bira can possibly be increased in extractivism along with better marke ting. The variety of ways this palm is used also makes it a valuable s pecies for agroforestry.