No abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The rich Agaveae-based culture that exists in the Ecuadorian Andes is little known. Wild and cultivated rosettes of <em>Agave americana </em>and <em>Furcraea andina </em>coexist in arid Andean landscapes. <em>A. americana </em>is considered an introduced species to Ecuador.</p><p><strong>Questions:</strong> What are Agaveae use patterns and cultural importance in the Ecuadorian Andes? Is the ethnobotanical significance of <em>Agave</em> in Ecuador comparable to that in Mexico and other Andean countries?</p><p><strong>Species studied:</strong> <em>Agave americana, Furcraea andina</em></p><p><strong>Study site, dates:</strong> Ecuadorian Andes, 2016.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Semi-structured interviews to Agaveae users (37) and a review of literature on ethnobotanical research conducted in Ecuador since the 18^th century.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong><em> A. americana </em>is more diversely and widely used than <em>F. andina </em>(124 <em>vs</em> 36 uses and 548 <em>vs</em> 140 use records, respectively).  The versatility of <em>A. americana</em> lies in its <em>mishki </em>(sap extracted from its heart) which has multiple medicinal, edible and ceremonial applications. We found significant variation of its use patterns throughout the region. The main use of <em>F. andina</em> as a source of fiber is disappearing. Most productive initiatives involve <em>A. americana</em> (92 %, n = 53).</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The importance of <em>A. americana </em>in the Ecuadorian Andes is comparable to that of agaves in Mexico, but not to its importance in other Andean countries where it is used sporadically. It<em> </em>can be considered a cultural keystone species. <em>F. andina</em> could have had that role in the past. <em>A. americana</em> versatility and availability through cultivation could explain why, irrespective of whether or not it is introduced, it remains an icon of identity and cultural cohesion in the Ecuadorian Andes.</p>

No abstract

No abstract