Paleo Foraging

Cnidoscolus palmeri (S.Watson) Rose

Jatropha palmeri

Stinging spurge, ortiguilla, mala mujer

Seri: coap (Felger and Moser 1985:292)

Food

Roots – the tubers were an important food resource of the Seri (Felger and Moser 1985:292). Larger plants were preferred (Felger and Moser 1985:292). Sometimes the thin skin was peeled off and the tubers were eaten fresh (Felger and Moser 1985:292). They were roasted whole in hot ashes or on coals, the charred skin removed, and the interior eaten, often with honey (Felger and Moser 1985:293).

Gathering Season – year-round (Felger and Moser 1985:292).

Notes – several kilograms of tubers were gathered from a single plant (Felger and Moser 1985:293).