Economic use of totorilla (Juncus arcticus, Juncaceae) in Ecuador

Juncus arcticus var. andicola is native to the Andean region. Its stems are used to make handicrafts by the rural mestizo population of Cotopaxi provi nce in Ecuador. These products are sold at traditional markets along the An des of Ecuador. The plant is of great economic importance in the modest liv es of the artisans. Totorilla has been cultivated by this rural population. It is cultivated it? pools and sometimes wild populations are managed. The area of production is 1.5 ha. One woven item can be made from a 0.35 m(2) totorilla stand area. A 100 m(2) yielded 850 woven items annually, bringing in a gross income of U.S. $1275 per year, corresponding to 66%. of the off icial minimum salary in Ecuador. The plant also provides a good source of c attle fodder during periods of drought.