DlCTVONEMATArEAE 



Dictojonema sp. 



Collect.: Davis and Yost 1051. 



Waorani Informant: Tomo & C^nto (m). Uprivcr dialect: n.v. 



This conspicuous genus of a lichenized basidiomycete is 

 extremely rare in Waorani territory. What has been considered a 

 new species by a leading lichenologist, this peculiar plant, grow- 

 ing on rotten wood, has a white hymenial layer and a bright 

 green blue upper surface (M. Hale pers. comm.'). 



The Waorani name n^n^ndap^ is a name applied to many 

 fungi, but informants suggest that this one was once used in 

 shamanistic ritual. It was last employed some four generations 

 ago— approximately 80 years when "bad shamans ate it to send 

 a curse to cause other Waorani to die." The drug was prepared as 

 an infusion with various species of Bryophyta, and caused severe 

 headaches and confusion when drunk. When adequate supplies 

 are available, this plant should be tested for hallucinogenic prop- 

 erties. This is the first report of a potentially hallucinogenic 

 basidiolichen. 



It is also reported to cause sterility and to be put into a child's 

 drink to cause barrenness. At the moment, it is unclear whether 

 this is a post-hoc explanation of why some women are sterile or 

 whether it indicates active chemical constituents. Although no 

 peculiar lichen acids have been reported, the genus is very poorly 

 known and warrants phytochemical investigation. 



Cyathacfae 



Sphaeropteris sp. 



Collect.: Davis and Yost 964. 



Waorani Informant: Tomo (m). Upriver dialect: n.v. loyoba 



This species, a common tree fern that attains a height of four 

 meters in the primary forest, is used to soothe toothache. The 

 Waorani collect the sap and keep it for a day until it oxidizes and 

 thickens; they then apply it directly to exposed nerves as an 

 anesthetic. 



170 



