MOCORA PALM-FIBERS - USE AND MANAGEMENT OF ASTROCARYUM-STANDLEYANUM (ARECACEAE) IN ECUADOR

Astrocaryum standleyanum is a multipurpose palm native to Nicaragua, C osta Rica, Panama, Western Colombia and Western Ecuador. In Ecuador fr uits are consumed locally and fibers from young leaves are used commer cially for hats, hammocks, mats and furniture. Harvest, manufacture an d trade ala centered around Calceta in the province of Manabi. Leaves are harvested in a non-destructive way, using chisels mounted on long bamboo poles. This harvest technique may replace present destructive h arvest of leaves from other palm species. Preparation of the fibers (e ach fiber corresponds to half a pinna) involves: 1. Removal of mid vei ns and spines from the pinnae: 2. Boiling; 3. Drying and bleaching in the sun; 4. Further bleaching with sulphur: and 5. Cutting fibers into equal width. Following this fibers are braided into bands, from which hats, mats and furniture ave made. Astrocaryum standleyanum is common ly maintained as a shade tree in agroforestry systems. Spontaneous reg eneration occurs in these systems, but actual cultivation is near abse nt.