Exploitation and potential uses of Carludovica palmata Ruiz & Pav. as a non-timber forest product

Abstract

The alternatives associated with generating economic income in rural communities arise from the utilization of Non-Timber Forest Products. The objective of this research is to evaluate the utilization and potential uses of Carludovica palmata Ruiz & Pav. as a non-timber forest product in the Pile community, Montecristi Canton. Interviews were conducted to investigate the uses of the species, its location, harvesting period, and purpose. In order to analyze ecological aspects, including species diversity, population density, and other relevant attributes characterizing palm communities, transects measuring 5 m in width by 100 m in length (500 m²) were established. The category of crafts turned out to be the most significant with 167 citations (97.66%). The plant part most used is the leaf, with hats being the primary products crafted from toquilla straw (166 citations). Both thick and fine weavings are extensively used (79 and 83 citations, respectively). Among the factors influencing product quality, the maturity state of the toquilla straw and the time of year stand out, with 110 and 55 citations respectively. 90.29% of the interviewees affirmed that the use of Carludovica palmata is low and that they only use the terminal bud of the stem to make handicrafts. The perception regarding the species abundance is very low. However, information obtained from the transects revealed 2 503 individuals/ha, reflecting the absence of silvicultural management practices in the habitat of Carludovica palmata in the Pile community. The Carludovica palmata species is not used and managed properly, its potential uses are limited.