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Nicotiana obtusifolia

    Nicotiana obtusifolia  ( ) ( ) Nicotiana trigonophylla Solanaceae Perennial or facultatively annual herb, with whitish tubular corolla. Widespread and common, it usually grows among rocks on north-facing slopes and along arroyos. Found on the mainland and Tiburon and San Esteban islands; also common on Alcatraz Island in Kino Bay. Smoking: although the leaves of any plant of this species might have been smoked, certain populations with superior smoking qualities were well known. The men made special trips to harvest this tobacco and brought it back to camp in quantity. Most of the leaves were allowed to dry naturally, but a mall quantity was often parched, so that it would be immediately available for smoking. For this purpose, the leaves were chopped up in a sea turtle carapace, then placed in a small, shallow clay bowl and parched with live coals. It was smoked in clay pipes, or pipes made from large tube worm shell or a thin section of Phragmites . The leaves were ...

Lycium californicum

    Lycium californicum  ( ) ( ) Solanaceae Shrub very stiff, somewhat thick twigs, each ending in a sharp thorn. Common near the shore. The fruit is bitter and not eaten.   "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".

Datura discolor

   Datura discolor ( ) (Toloache) Solanaceae Use of Datura by various Indians for its hallucinatory properties is well know. Although it is not known to have been used by the Seri for this purpose. This species resembles other kind poisonous nightshade, but differs in having smaller flowers and in being generally less robust. It is an ephemeral. The fruit is covered with spiny projections and it has typical, black, nightshade seeds. It is widespread on the mainland and on Tiburon and San Esteban Islands, and is common weed near farms and ranches. Medicine: tea made from the dry, mashed seeds was taken for swollen throat because it deadened the pain. A poultice of the leaves was placed on boils. The latter remedy was given to a Seri by a Mexican. The Supernatural: it was one of the first plants formed, and therefore many people would not touch it. "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".

Pseudorontium cyathiferum

     Pseudorontium cyathiferum  ( ) ( ) Scrophulariaceae A very common and widespread ephemeral with tiny lavender snapdragon flowers. It appears at any time of year following adequate rainfall and ranges throughout the Seri Region, including the islands. Adornment: to bring good luck, pieces of the plant were put into small cloth bags which were tied on a cord necklace; sometimes the cloth bags were attached to a more elaborate necklace. The plant was said to belong to girls and young women. After grinding the fresh, green plant, they mixed white clay with it and added water to make beads which they strung into necklaces. These were worn because of the fragrance. "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".

Cardiospermum corindum

    Cardiospermum corindum ( ) ( ) Sapindaceae This desert vine has hollow fruit resembling small paper lanterns. Each fruit bears three smooth, round seeds. It is common throughout the mainland and on Tiburon Island. Adornment: while still green and soft the seeds were strung for necklaces. Footwear: the long flexible stems were occasionally used to tie pads of creosotebush on one's feet as makeshift sandals. Headpiece: the leafy vines were woven into a headband or wreath. It was worn during hot weather by men and women for shade and to keep the hair in place. Women and girls continued to use it in modern times. Water Transport: this was one of several kinds of leafy plants stuffed into the top of a water-filled olla to prevent spillage. "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".

Oligomeris linifolia

   Oligomeris linifolia   ( ) ( ) Resedaceae Ephemeral, often abundant and in dense stands in late spring. It occurs on the mainland and Tiburon Island. These small, slender plants have tiny capsules containing numerous shiny black seeds about 0.4 mm in diameter. Food: the seeds, worked out of the dry plant onto deer hides, were toasted, ground, and mixed with water to make a gruel. Substantial quantities of the seed could be obtained during favorable years. Medicine: tea made from the roots was used as a remedy for measles. Oral Tradition: in Seri mythology, giant girls gathered the plant for the seeds. One of them, who was in love, strung the little seeds on a necklace and gave it to her lover. "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".

Eriogonum inflatum

    Eriogonum inflatum  ( ) ( ) Polygonaceae Perennial herb with several or many slender, erect growing, branched flower stalks. The main axis is sometimes hollow and inflated. Commonly found among rocks on the mainland and on  Tiburon Island and San Esteban Island. Medicine: tea made from the plant was taken as a remedy for cold.  "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".