RICHNESS AND USES IN A DIVERSE PALM SITE IN BOLIVIA

The study site is located in the southern part of the Iturralde Provin ce, Department of La Pat, in western Bolivia. This area is generally c haracterized by mixed vegetation types from the tropical mountain fore sts as well as lowland forests and savannas. It lies in an altitudinal range of 400-1850 m, with an average temperature of 24-28 degrees C a nd a rainfall of 2000-5000 mm per year. The richness in palms of this region is the highest reported for Bolivia; it comprises 19 genera, 70 % of all genera known in Bolivia and 29 palm species (34%). Three main phytogeographic elements are mixed and integrated in the area; palms from the Andean, Amazonian, and Central Brazilian (Cerrado) units are found in approximately 4.5 ha. Nearly 66% of these palm species are co ncentrated in the mountain forests between 500-1800 m, reaching the hi ghest altitudinal limit in this area, of which the most common species is Iriartea deltoidea. Approximately 55% of the palm species are used by local people - the original ethnic group, the Tacanas, and settler s - in order to get materials for construction, different qualities of thatching, fruit for food and beverages, fibres for artesanal product s, medicines and handicrafts.