Acalypha californica  ( ) (hierba del cáncer) Euphorbiaceae After collecting the very last columnar cactus fruit of the year, the people of the Libertad region were said to have spread branches of this shrub on the ground and dumped the fruit out of their collecting baskets onto the branches. This small, drought-deciduous shrub ranges through most of the region, including Tiburon and San Esteban Islands. Shelter: the branches were used as roofing for the brush house. "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".  

        Dudleya arizonica  ( ) ( ) Crassulaceae In Sonora, this thick-leaved succulent occurs in coastal mountains as far south as Cerro Tepopa, but it is not common in the region. It usually grows wedged in crevices of cliffs or canyon walls. "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".  

       Trixis californica  ( ) ( ) Asteraceae A very common small shrub with brittle stems, green foliage, and attractive yellow flower heads. It is widespread in the region, including Tiburon Island. Medicine: tea made from the roots was taken by a woman before delivery to hasten the birth. Smoking: the leaves were smoked like tobacco. "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".  

      Brickelia coulteri  ( ) ( ) Asteraceae Common along washes and arroyos in the mountains and inland, such as at Rancho Estrella. Adornment: the fresh leafy stems were put in little cloth bags on necklaces because of their pleasant aroma. For this reason the plant was also rubbed on the clothing and put in one's shirt or blouse pocket. "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".  

     Ambrosia ambrosioides  ( ) ( ) Asteraceae Common bushy perennial with slender stems and elongated, triangular, rough-surfaced leaves. It usually occurs in canyons and arroyos, and ranges throughout the region, including Tiburon Island. Medicine: tea made from the roots was given to a woman near parturition. Pigment: the pounded root bark was sometimes substituted for Ambrosia dumosa in the manufacture of Serie Blue. It gave the pigment a distinct aroma. "People of the Desert and Sea, Ethnobotany of the Seri Indians".  

    Ruellia californica  ( ) ( ) Acanthaceae This small shrub has slender, brittle stems, and showy lavender flowers. It is common in the southern part of the Seri region and certain parts of Tiburon Island, especially on rocky bajadas and hills near the mountains. R. peninsularis from the Baja California peninsula is similar and closely related to R. californica but differs in having dull oily glandular-pubescent foliage and not glabrate foliage which is glutinous and somewhat shiny. These characters might have an effect on the medicinal and smoking qualities of the plant. Food: nectar was sucked from the base of the corolla. Medicine: tea made from the leaves was taken for dizziness, and put on the face of one who was tired out. The same liquid was used as shampoo to relieve a headache, and also as eyedrops. As another means to cure a headache, the leaves or leafy branches were put on moderately hot or warm coals; then the toasted leaves were put in an olla with warm wa...