Although the Waorani do not use this plant medicinally, var- 

 ious species of Bactris are said to have medicinal properties. In 

 Colombia, the fruits of Bactris minor Jacq. are employed in a 

 decoction as an antihelminthic and laxative. They are also used to 

 treat snakebite (Garcia-Barriga 1974). In Guyana, a decoction of 

 the heart of Bactris o/igoclacia Burret is valued in treating bron- 

 chitis (Fanshawe 1950). 



Bactris Casipaes HBK., Nov. Gen. et Sp. 1 (1815) 302. 

 Collect.: Davis & Yost s.n. 

 n.v. lew^ 



Such is the importance of this semi-cultivated palm that the 

 Waorani "new year" {dag^nca ted^) is marked by the end of its 

 fruiting cycle. "Chonta"season runs from November to April and 

 is divided into six periods: blossoms falling down; fruits starting 

 to form; fruits starting to ripen; fruits all ripe; fruits nearly gone; 



fruits all gone. 



While the fruits {dag^nca) provide an important source of 

 carbohydrate and vitamins, the extremely hard wood {tepa) is 

 used to make spears, blowguns and various utensils. Because of 

 its durability, it is also a favorite source material for roof supports 

 and other construction purposes. 



Geononia sp. 



Collect.: Davis & Yost s.n. 



Waorani Informant: Geque (m). Downriver dialect: n.v. nw 



This low palm grows 1.2 meters tall in the primary forest and 

 provides the traditional Waorani thatch. The leaves, which are 

 applied in three layers on an A-framed longhouse, are not particu- 

 larly durable, lasting at the most one year. In recent years, the 

 Waorani have turned to other more durable palms, largely in 

 imitation of their lowland Quichua neighbours. 



Geonoma sp. 



Collect.: Davis & Yost 960 



Waorani Informant: Geque (m). Downriver dialect: n.v. ted- 



enow^ncaho 



173 



