P. Friedrichsthalianum (Berg.) Niedenzu is largely 
Central American and may never have been cultivated 
in Mexico. The wide ranging P. guineense Sw. (P. molle 
Bertol.) is apparently inferior and little grown. (116, 133, 
149, 150, 151*, 191*) 
Salvia hispanica L. (S. Chian La Llave, S. poly- 
stachya Ort.): Chia, chiantzozolli (see also Hyptis). 
The seeds of chia are widely used in Mexico to prepare 
a nourishing and refreshing drink which is highly es- 
teemed by many. They may be toasted and ground or 
merely stirred into water, and produce a copious muci- 
laginous jelly. This drink is frequently sweetened and 
variously flavored. The seed has also long been the source 
of an excellent drying oil used in painting. This species 
is evidently a native of central Mexico. Bukasov (81) 
states that it is also cultivated in Guatemala (as 8. Chia 
Fern.). (31, 49, 74*, 110, 183, 145*, 162) 
Sambucus mexicana Pres/.; Sauco, elderberry. 
This shrub or small tree is occasionally seen in gardens 
or hedgerows (personal observation) and is said to be 
cultivated for its small fruits (191). The available infor- 
mation concerning this plant is inconclusive. (17, 191) 
Sechium edule Sw.: Chayotli, chayote, giiisquil. 
The chayote has long been an important cultivated 
plant in Mexico. Not only are its somewhat squash-like 
fruits produced in abundance, but the young leaves and 
shoots are useful as greens, and the large, starchy roots 
are also eaten, only a part of the root cluster being har- 
vested at any one time to avoid killing the vine. The 
greatest diversity of this species occurs in Guatemala, 
where a wild form is said to occur (115, 206). (9, 56, 
98*, 115, 133*, 198, 202, 206) 
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