Paleo Foraging

Batis maritima L.

Common names: Turtleweed, saltwort

Seri: xpaxóocsim / paxópcsim / xpacóocsim – “‘xpa’, chew and spit out” (Felger and Moser 1985:233)

Location in Texas: coastal TX; grows on seashore.

Food

Roots – eaten by the Seri (Felger and Moser 1985:233). Large amounts of the roots were crushed and cooked in water to make a beverage (Felger and Moser 1985:233). The roots were also chewed and sucked for their juice (Felger and Moser 1985:233). Roots were peeled and added to coffee to sweeten it (Felger and Moser 1985:233).