ward into Sonora and southwestern United States, proba- 
bly as an ornamental, after 1850. 
The bases of large leaves, pit-baked and eaten or pre- 
pared as mescal bread, are sweet, bland and lack fibres. 
One large plant usually provides sufficient material to 
fill a large baking-pit. Since other parts of the plant— 
the stalk, flowers and heart—are bitter, they are not 
consumed. 
Specimen: Curmmuanua: Municipio de Guazapares, Rocoroibo, ca. 
6000 ft. Cultivated plants about 6-8 feet high near governor’s house, 
associated with spineless Opuntia, apple and peach trees. Nov. 10, 
1973. Bye and Burgess 5827. 
Onservation (by R. Bye): 
Cuimuanvua: Municipios de Guazapares y Chinipas, Wasachi, ca. 
6000 ft. A recently transplanted linear plantation near walls of a 
ranchito in the open flat above arroyo, July 23, 1974. 
Agave bovicornuta Gentry, Carnegie Inst. Wash. 
Pub. 527, p. 92. 1942. 
Western Tarahumara: sA°’puLi (meat barranca: mean- 
Ing uncertain) 
Mexican: mescal lechuguilla 
This attractive maguey is found in the middle zone of 
the barrancas associated with oaks (Quercus spp.). The 
flowers, well washed to remove the bitterness, are eaten 
cooked or in the form of tortillas and are preferred to 
those of other species in making tortillas. The hearts are 
. 
baked and used in preparing a strong “‘sugui’’ which is 
said to be similar to ‘*pisto’’, the local Mexican distilled 
alcohol from cfeave and Yucca. The caustic juice of the 
leaves causes a burning irritation, followed by white blis- 
ters, on sensitive skin. The plant is employed to stupefy 
fish. 
Specimen: Cuiuuanua: Municipios de Guazapares y Chinipas, be- 
tween Cusdrare and Nopalero, ca. 3500 ft. Seattered plants on rocky 
slopes of the barranca associated with oaks (Quercus spp.) and below 
the mixed oak and pine forests. Nov. 8, 1973. Bye, Burgess and 
Mares 5806. 
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