ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThroughout this dissertation, many people have graciously shared their shared their time, expertise, creativity, and support with me; to them, I am grateful. Suzanne Koptur, my major professor, consistently supported my outlandish idea of studying a species that most people in the US have never heard of, and in a region where few US or European scientists venture. Despite the many difficulties I encountered along the way, Suzanne continued to encourage me while giving me the intellectual and emotional freedom to make my own decisions. Suzanne is an inspiration to all women who dream of simultaneously being scientists, mentors, educators, mothers, partners, friends, and stewards of the environment.I am also indebted to my doctoral committee for guiding, challenging, and encouraging me over the past seven years. Each of these individuals has helped me become a better writer. Scott Zona will always be my palm "guru," as he is humble despite his seemingly infininte knowledge of these unique plants. I also thank Scott for teaching me grammar I had long forgotten, and for showing me how to give focused, Vendors argued that the price of buriti must increase, and must fluctuate with varying supply. With appropriate economic incentives to vendors/harvesters, Roraima may expand its market infrastructure for buriti, effectively stimulating the regional economy and practicing sustainable harvesting.x