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".

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Asteraceae

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Geraea canescens

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