165 Annales Universitatis Paedagogicae Cracoviensis Studia Naturae, 1: 165–178, 2016, ISSN 2543-8832 Edgar Mó1,2, William Cetzal-Ix3*, Eliana Noguera-Savelli4, Saikat Kumar Basu5, Peiman Zandi6, Katarzyna Możdżeń7 1 Orquideario Agronomía-CUNOR-USAC, Centro Universitario del Norte, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Cobán, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala 2 Orquigonia, Centro de Rescate y Conservación de Orquídeas, Cobán, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala 3 Instituto Tecnológico de Chiná, Calle 11 entre 22 y 28, Colonia Centro Chiná 24 050, Campeche, México, *rolito22@hotmail.com 4 Catedrático Conacyt, Colegio de Postgraduados Campus Campeche. Carretera Haltunchén-Edzná Km. 17.5, Sichochac, Champotón, Campeche, México, C.P. 24450 5 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada 6 Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, People’s Republic of China 7 Department of Plant Physiology, Pedagogical University of Kraków, Podchorążych 2, 30-084 Kraków, Poland Cyperus canus J. Presl & C. Presl – a traditional source of fiber, its uses, products and cultural significances among ethnic communities of Central America �e genus Cyperus L. (Cyperaceae) includes between 750 and 950 species (mostly annuals and perennials), the exact number depends on the accepted generic or un- resolved names (Larridon et al., 2011, �e Plant List, 2013). Most species of Cyperus are predominantly aquatic to sub-aquatic in habitat (marshes, swamps, bogs, lakes, ponds, fens and grassland) and are characterised by their distinct hollow, circular or triangular stems with distinct ridges and furrows predominantly present in the trop- ics, sub-tropics, temperate and the sub-temperate regions (Adams, 1994; Tucker, 1983, 1994). �e genus is found in close association and ecological assemblages with dif- ferent species of grasses (e.g. Scleria secans (L.) Urb., Echinochloa colona (L.) Link, Pennisetum purpureum Schumach., Urochloa platyphylla (Munro ex C. Wright) R. D. Webster and Zea mays L.). Both families have close evolutionary a�nities. �e species within the genus vary greatly in height from 3–5 cm at one end of the spectrum, to as high as over 4 or 5 m on the other. �e plants usually thrive well in water less than 1 m in depth (Adams, 1994; Tucker, 1983, 1994). �e hollow stems usually bear the slender leaves towards the base of the plant, compactly arranged on a whorl at the apex of the �oral items (Castro-Ramírez et al., 1991; Castro-Ramírez, 1994). �e �owers vary in color between greenish to pale whitish or greenish white, �owers are mostly anemophilous (wild pollinated) and �owers are aggregated in di�erent clusters between the leaves at the apex. �e aggre- 166 Ed ga r M ó, W ill ia m C et za l-I x, E lia na N og ue ra -S av el li, S ai ka t K um ar B as u, P ei m an Z an di , K at ar zy na M oż dż eń gation of the �owers on the apex of the stem is arranged in the form of an umbrella (Standley, 1931; Castro-Ramírez et al., 1991; Castro-Ramírez, 1994). Cyperus species have cosmopolitan distribution, some of these are considered as noxious weeds, while a large number of others have di�erent agricultural, horticultural, medicinal, pharma- ceutical and industrial uses (Jansen, 1993, 1998; Magaña-Alejandro et al., 2014). �e most emblematic species of the genus by its historical and utilitarian context is C. papyrus L., a plant used by the ancient Egyptians to make paper. Other species of economic importance are: C. articulatus L., C. canus J. Presl. & C. Presl., C. esculen- tus L. and C. rotundus L. (Standley, Steyermark, 1958; Eshbaugh, 1983; Tucker, 1983, 1994). In Central America, C. canus is a plant widely used by the indigenous commu- nities of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua for the principal elaboration of mats (‘petates’) (Cajas et al., 2009). Secondarily for other objects such as baby carrier, briefcases, folders and occasionally hats; also for all types of moorings, as a cords or ropes. At home it is used to start �re in the kitchen (Ludlow-Wiechers, Diego-Pérez, 2002; Cajas et al., 2009; Magaña-Alejandro et al., 2014). �e stems of this plant are used as an excellent �ber for weaving, in making high quality ropes and also for producing blowers, backpacks, hats and sandals used commonly by the local peo- ple (Castro-Ramírez et al., 1991; Castro-Ramírez, 1994; Cajas et al., 2009). �e �bers are also applied by local people to make handicra�s such as baskets and bags. It is also used in preparing traditional food products of Guatemala mostly for tying up sausages and food bags (‘pita’) (Fig. 2 – Appendix). C. canus appears in the local culture historically, as mentioned in the Popol Vuh. �is plant is commonly used in districts of Alta Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Escuint- la, Guatemala, Quiché, Sacatepéquez, Santa Rosa, Retalhuleu and Zacapa (Cas- tro-Ramírez et al., 1991; Adams, 1994; Castro-Ramírez, 1994; Cajas et al., 2009). �e use and traditional knowledge of C. canus among the indigenous communities of Central America have been transferred through successive generations as part of the local tradition and culture. However, these traditional activities are now being slowly abandoned; since the plant products are being replaced by modern chemistry-based synthetic products (Hardy Nelson, 1986; Jansen, 1993, 1998; Roquas, 1994). In this study we describe the uses and production processes of some of the most important products made from C. canus. Systematics and distribution Class: Equisetopsida C. Agardh Subclass: Magnoliidae Novák ex Takht. Superorder: Lilianae Takht. Order: Poales Small Family: Cyperaceae Juss. Genus: Cyperus L. Species: Cyperus canus J. Presl. & C. Presl. 167 C. canus (Fig. 3 – Appendix 1) was collected by Haenke in ‘regno Mexicano’ (cur- rently Mexico) and described by Presl and Presl in 1828 in the work Reliquiae Haen- keanae (Reliq. Haenk.) 1(3): 179. �is species is a native plant of tropical America, distributed from southern Mexico and Guatemala to Colombia (Fig. 3 – Appendix 1). It grows along the shores of lakes, streams and marshy places and is sometimes found on rocks, at altitudes of 200–1500 m a.m.s.l. (Standley, 1931; Castro-Ramírez et al., 1991; Castro-Ramírez, 1994). However, it is quite rare to �nd the plants in the wild since locals treat them as a common weed (Fig. 4 – Appendix 1). Common names of Cyperus canus (Tule) �e species is commonly referred to as ‘tule’. �e word originated from the Nahuatl word ‘tullin’ or ‘tolin’ and is commonly used to mean herbs growing in the lakes and marshy creeks, that are applied in the manufacture of chairs, baskets, mats, and sev- eral other handicra�s (Castro-Ramírez et al., 1991; Castro-Ramírez, 1994). However, according to Del Paso y Troncoso (1986), the word ‘tullin’ corresponds to the generic name used for several species of Cyperaceae, Typhaceae, Poaceae and Ponteridaceae (Ludlow-Wiechers, Diego-Pérez, 2002). From this perspective, Martínez (1979) asso- ciated the name ‘tule’ to several di�erent species, such as: C. articulatus L., C. tenerr- imus J. Presl & C. Presl., C. canus, Pontederia cordata L., Schoenoplectus americanus (Pers.) Volkart ex Schinz & R. Keller, S. validus (Vahl) Á. Löve & Löve, Typha domin- gensis Pers., and T. latifolia L. �e plant C. canus is called ‘sak’ in local Mayan language Fig. 1. Distribution of Cyperus canus in Central America (based on herbarium records of Tropicos, 2015) Cyperus canus J. P resl & C . P resl – a traditional source of fiber, its uses, products and cultural significances am ong ethnic com m unities of C entral A m erica 168 Ed ga r M ó, W ill ia m C et za l-I x, E lia na N og ue ra -S av el li, S ai ka t K um ar B as u, P ei m an Z an di , K at ar zy na M oż dż eń due to the similarity of the stems to sugar cane (Diego-Pérez, 2010). It is also known in Spanish as ‘tule negro’, ‘tule de petate’ (González-Mayorga, 2009), ‘junquillo’, ‘sivate’, ‘ca�ita’; and ‘say’ in Q’eqchi’ language (Standley, Steyermark, 1958). Harvesting process of tule In Central America the harvesting season of tule steams starts a�er the blooming pe- riod (otherwise these are not well dried). �e stems are all cut down and a�er harvest is completed, the separation of the stems is conducted depending on the quality of the harvested stem. �e decayed or rotten stems are discarded and only the healthy ones are carefully scrutinised and selected for use downstream (González-Mayorca, 2009). �e harvest period is from February to May, tiller plants produce 75–200 stems per plant, in each crop growing up to 400–500 plants, but in the drying step, 400 stems are equivalent to one-pound weight. Preparation of tule �e selected stems are placed under the sun for proper drying depending upon the criteria of the producer and based on local customs. It takes 4–5 days for drying in Salvador, but even for 8 days in Guatemala. Once dried, stems are classi�ed according to the length of the rods since the longest stems enable the producers to develop high quality parts without �aws in the quality of the �bers. �e classi�ed stem is properly stored in high and dry places for thorough ventilation and also for protection against insects. �ey are usually wrapped in nylon bags and under proper storage conditions can be successfully stored for a year or so. �e triangular shape of the stem helps in producing three strands of �bers that are extracted using an indigenous tool known as ‘güiscoyol’ in Guatemala. �is is locally made from palms (Bactris sp.) or by using speci�c parts of bone as part of the traditional knowledge and technology used in the production process. In Salvador, the tool used is called ‘rajador’. In both cases these tools are made by the same cra�smen or artisans (González-Mayorga, 2009). In Gua- temala, the central portion of the stem is known as the ‘heart of tule’ or ‘gut of tule’ (Spanish: corazón del tule or tripa de tule) or ‘cibaque’. In Salvador, it is called ‘rope or heart of tule’ (Spanish: mecate o corazón de tule). �is �ber is also used in the manu- facture of handbags, sandals, blowers, hats, side bags, sacks etc. Fiber cra�s Basketry is one of the oldest human activities from the dawn of human civilisation across the planet and constitutes an indispensable part of the daily tasks of several in- digenous communities (e.g. Maya and Chontal Maya people in Mexico, Q’eqchi’, Xin- ca, Poqomchi’, ch’orti’ and Kaqchikel people in Guatemala). Local women historically have developed exceptional skills and knowledge over several generations in the art 169 of basketry and related textiles trades by judicious use of locally available resources. �ey have been solely responsible for transferring this traditional knowledge of man- ufacturing di�erent basketry products to their future generations (Bustos, 1994). One of the most commonly and historically known traditional local products made from C. canus is the ‘petate’. In Central America (Mesoamerica), the Mayas used basketry for making di�erent ceremonial utensils and for their daily use, that is demonstrated in the codices, steles and ceramics; where di�erent products such as blowers, belts, baskets and mats were presented (Cajas et al., 2009). Mats ‘petates’ Tab. 1. Comparative analysis of use and prices of di�erent cra�swomen using tule in preparing tradition- al �ber-based products and handicra�s Cra�swomen Comments Uses Prices Carmen Chocooj People only buy stems for mooring food Mooring tamale ‘tamales’ 140 stems or strands (US$ 3.93) 4–5 stems or strands (US$ 0.66) Elisa Cú Tule blowers do not sell much because it is comparatively costlier than the plastic blowers Blowers and ropes for mooring can- dles Blowers (US$ 1.31) Eulalia Teyul Young generations do not prac- tice this activity since they are not interested in learning this traditional cra�. She makes 6 blowers per day (5 am – 6 pm); and a mat of 60×40 cm (3 hours), 2×1.25–1.30 m (1 day), 5×1.25–1.30 m (3 days) Mats and blowers 25 stems for a blower (US$ 1.31), Mats of 60×40 cm (US$ 1.31), 2×1.25–1.30 m (US$ 1.97), 5×1.25–1.30 m (US$ 2.62) For the preparation of a mat (depending on size) ~80–210 stem barks of C. canus are commonly used depending on the target size or dimension of the �nished mat. Generally, weaving is conducted on the �oor, on the other ‘petate’, bed sheet or nylon material. In some cases it is also done directly on the dirt �oor. �e bark is initially extended in a vertical arrangement and a�erwards the interweaving of the barks are made on a horizontal direction one a�er another. As the work proceeds, more stems are added vertically and interwoven horizontally; leaving a fraction non-interlaced to make a moored that �nally serves as the basic frame or contour (Fig. 5 – Appendix 1). Blowers or fans �e blower or fan is generally prepared by using ~25 stems of C. canus that are care- fully selected, having equal length and �exible consistency to facilitate the interlacing process. Alternatively, water is repeatedly applied to appropriately so�en the stems to Cyperus canus J. P resl & C . P resl – a traditional source of fiber, its uses, products and cultural significances am ong ethnic com m unities of C entral A m erica 170 Ed ga r M ó, W ill ia m C et za l-I x, E lia na N og ue ra -S av el li, S ai ka t K um ar B as u, P ei m an Z an di , K at ar zy na M oż dż eń make them more manageable and easy for the trade. �e process of weaving starts by mooring a stem in half on the wooden benches; where 6–10 stems are placed, next doubled in half and are then woven together. As they get interweaving other stems are added until the blower takes the shape. Before making the middle blower, the base is made because it is the point of attachment of the 25 stems, then the base or gripper will be thick and resistant to movement (Fig. 6 – Appendix 1). We conducted personal interviews with women artisans in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, and we share some inter- esting facts about the production and costs of C. canus cra�s (Tab. 1). Market scenario of the tule products Studies of the situation of tule �ber artisans in Central America (Mesoamerica) indi- cate recurrent problems in the ethnic communities studied across di�erent countries. Although there is a demand for traditional tule �ber-based handicra�s and products in the local and regional markets, as well as with foreign tourists, the economic con- ditions of the artisans are deplorable since this is a poorly organised sector. As a result traditional artisans and cra�smen and women are heavily dependent on middlemen who have better knowledge of the markets, gross product prices and the distribution systems. �ese middlemen make the most of the existing system retaining greater share of the pro�t to themselves compared to the artisans and cra�smen and women. Based on a case study on tule artisans from Guatemala, Lemus Herrera et al. (2009) observed the importance of gender equity in the community development programs; particularly in areas where women do majority of cra�s work for their livelihoods and barter. In these rural areas majority of development programs unfortunately exclude women due to cultural practices in which most power is exercised and enjoyed by men in the traditional societies. �e researchers therefore suggested that it will be impor- tant to improve the quality of life of local indigenous womenfolk by empowering them in their communities and societies. Another case study from Central America that is worth mentioning is that of the Masatepe municipality from Nicaragua (Santana et al., 2004). In this community too, the indigenous �ber-based cra�s work on tule for preparation of mats and related products are conducted mostly by women (86%). �eir average weekly pay varies be- tween $US 22–29 (300–400 Córdobas). Several of the local �bre products are regularly exported to Costa Rica, Mexico, the US and the European Union. �is is an unor- ganised cottage industry sector and hence exact data for the trade is not available or published. However, based on general estimates it could be mentioned that the trade is quite small in scale compared to other organised production sectors in Central Amer- ica. �e price of mat generated with one or two bunches of tule (each constituting on average ~150 leaves of Cyperus canus) is ~US$ 22 (300 Córdobas). Monthly produc- tion is between 6–12 medium size mats, single, without decoration with pricing of 171 US$ 4–11 (50–150 Córdobas) each. �e best quality mats with drawings and decora- tions vary in price range between US$ 11–22 (150–300 Córdobas) each. However, the latter is made in smaller quantities only, around 6 mats per workshop unit (Santana et al., 2004). In general, tule artisans in Central America need consultancies in terms of edu- cation, training, empowerment and funding to help them develop into an organised sector for earning better economic return for their traditional artisan work and cra�s- manship. �is will allow them to slowly establish an e�cient and e�ective production system in terms of better technology, diversi�cation and improving the quality of their products based on current market demands, better product distribution network and �nancial management. References Adams, C.D. (1994). Cyperus (Cyperaceae). In: G. Davidse, M. Sousa Sánchez, A.O. Chater, F. Chiang-Cabrera (eds.), Flora Mesoamericana, 6: Alismataceae a Cyperaceae Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. México: Missouri Botanical Garden & �e Natural History Museum (London), 423–440. [In Spanish] Bustos, M.L. (1994). Basketry and feminine world. Historia Crítica, 9, 29–35. [In Spanish] Cajas, A., Cano, M., Guirola, C. (2009). Basketry and matting in Mesoamérica. Asociación Flaar Mesoa- mérica. http://www.wide-format-printers.org/FLAAR_report_covers/705573_ Guatemalan_basketry_�bers_copan_baja_verapaz_etnohistory.pdf Castro-Ramírez, A.E. (1994). Olcuatitan and its petate activity. América Indígena, 1–2, 257–278. [In Spanish] Castro-Ramírez, A.E., Hernández-Xolocotzi, E., Aguirre-Rivera, J.R., Engleman, E.M. (1991). Process of domestication and use of Cyperus canus by Chontales Nacajuca, Tabasco. Agrociencia (Ser. Fitocien- cia), 2, 7–20. [In Spanish] Del Paso y Troncoso, F. (1986). Studies on the history of medicine in Mexico. Anales del Museo Nacion- al de Mexico, 3(35), 138–235. Diego-Pérez, N. (2010). A case study: �e Cyperaceae of Yucatan. In: R. Durán-García, M. Mén- dez-González (eds.), Biodiversity and human development in Yucatan. Mérida, Yucatán: Cicy, Ppd- fmam, Conabio, Seduma, 1–496. Eshbaugh, W.H. (1983). �e Useful Plants of Central America. Economic Botany, 37, 68–68. González-Mayorga, K.E. (2009). Aplicación de la �bra de tule (Cyperus canus), teñidas con el tinte extraído de la mora (Maclura tinctoria) al diseño de 3 bolsos de playa. http://webquery.ujmd.edu.sv/siab/bvir- tual/BIBLIOTECA%20VIRTUAL/TESIS/03/DPA/ADTESGA0001333.pdf Hardy Nelson, S.C. (1986). Plantas comunes de Honduras. Tegucigalpa: Editorial Universitaria. [In Span- ish] Jansen, K. (1993). Co�ee and forms of production in Honduras. Revista centroamericana de economía, 14, 58–96. [In Spanish] Jansen, K. (1998). Political ecology, mountain agriculture, and knowledge in Honduras. Amsterdam: �ela Publishers. Larridon, I., Reynders, M., Huygh, W., Bauters, K., Van De Putte, K., Muthama Muasya, A., Boeckx, P., Goetghebeur, P. (2011). A�nities in C3 Cyperus lineages (Cyperaceae) revealed using molecular phy- Cyperus canus J. P resl & C . P resl – a traditional source of fiber, its uses, products and cultural significances am ong ethnic com m unities of C entral A m erica 172 Ed ga r M ó, W ill ia m C et za l-I x, E lia na N og ue ra -S av el li, S ai ka t K um ar B as u, P ei m an Z an di , K at ar zy na M oż dż eń logenetic data and carbon isotope analysis. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 167, 19–46. DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8339.2011.01160.x Lemus Herrera, L.B., Martínez, J., Girón Hernández, J.L. (2009). Caracterización organizativa, producción y comercialización de Artesanías de tule (Cyperus canus) que realiza el grupo de Mujeres artesanas del municipio de San Juan Tecuaco, Departamento de Santa Rosa, Guatemala. Universidad de San Carlos Guatemala, Guatemala. http://digi.usac.edu.gt/bvirtual/informes/puieg/INF-2009-059.pdf [In Span- ish] Ludlow-Wiechers, B., Diego-Pérez, N. (2002). Utilidad e importancia histórica y cultural de las Cyperace- ae. Etnobiología, 2(1), 90–102. [In Spanish] Magaña-Alejandro, M.A., Mendoza, M.S., Rodríguez, M.I.M. (2014). Use of medicinal plants by the vil- lagers of Tapotzingo, Nacajuca, Tabasco, Mexico. European Scienti�c Journal, 3, 67–73. Martínez, M. (1979). Catalog of common and scienti�c names of Mexican plants. México: Fondo de Cultura Económica. Roquas, E. (1994). Las petateras producen más que artesanía: la economía del tule y del petate. Universi- dad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras. Documentos de Trabajo No. 8. Tegucigalpa: Poscae-Unah. [In Spanish] Santana, R., Montagnini, F., Louman, B., Villalobos, R., Gómez, M. (2004). La industria de artesanías de Masaya y Masatepe, Nicaragua: demanda por materia prima de bosques tropicales. Recursos Natu- rales y Ambiente, 42, 77–85. [In Spanish] Standley, P.C. (1931). �e Cyperaceae of Central America. Field Museum of Natural History, Botanical series, 8, 237–292. Standley, P.C., Steyermark, J. (1958). Cyperaceae, En Flora of Guatemala. Fieldiana: Botany, 24(1), 90–196. �e Plant List. (2013). A working list of all plant species (version 1.1). http://www.theplantlist.org Tropicos. (2015). Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.tropicos.org/Name/9904590 Tucker, G.C. (1983). �e taxonomy of Cyperus (Cyperaceae) in Costa Rica and Panama. Systematic Bot- any Monographs, 2, 1–85. Tucker, G.C. (1994). Revision of the Mexican species of Cyperus (Cyperaceae). Systematic Botany Mon- ographs, 43, 1–213. 173 Fig. 2. Di�erent products and cra�s made with tule; A – blower, B – a plastic blower for comparison; processed �ber strands: C–D – ropes for tying up sausages, E – ropes for tying up tamales, F – ropes for hanging candles, G – ropes for tying up food bags, H – �nished high quality mats (Photo. E. Mó) Appendix 1 Cyperus canus J. P resl & C . P resl – a traditional source of fiber, its uses, products and cultural significances am ong ethnic com m unities of C entral A m erica 174 Ed ga r M ó, W ill ia m C et za l-I x, E lia na N og ue ra -S av el li, S ai ka t K um ar B as u, P ei m an Z an di , K at ar zy na M oż dż eń Fig. 3. Cyperus canus J. Presl & C. Presl; A – plant habit, B–C – young stems, D – mature stems, E – leaves and in�orescence, F – in�orescence enlarged, G – �owers (Photo. E. Mó) 175 Fig. 4. Cyperus canus J. Presl & C. Presl; A – plants growing in a �eld crop of corn, B – juvenile plants, C – plants growing in sub-aquatic habitat, D – plants mixed with corn (Photo. E. Mó) Cyperus canus J. P resl & C . P resl – a traditional source of fiber, its uses, products and cultural significances am ong ethnic com m unities of C entral A m erica 176 Ed ga r M ó, W ill ia m C et za l-I x, E lia na N og ue ra -S av el li, S ai ka t K um ar B as u, P ei m an Z an di , K at ar zy na M oż dż eń Fig. 5. Production of mats ‘petates’ with tule; A–E – selection and preparation of stem barks, F–G – stem barks of di�erent dimensions, H–I – interlacing process of the stems, J – �nished mats (Photo. E. Mó) 177 Fig. 6. Production of a blower or fan with tule; A – selections of stems, B – traditional operating wooden bench, C – stems moored to the wooden bench, D–F – interlacing process with the stems, G – middle blower, H–I – �nished blower (Photo. E. Mó) Cyperus canus J. P resl & C . P resl – a traditional source of fiber, its uses, products and cultural significances am ong ethnic com m unities of C entral A m erica 178 Ed ga r M ó, W ill ia m C et za l-I x, E lia na N og ue ra -S av el li, S ai ka t K um ar B as u, P ei m an Z an di , K at ar zy na M oż dż eń Cyperus canus J. Presl & C. Presl – tradycyjne źródło błonnika, zastosowanie, produkty i znaczenie kulturowe wśród społeczności etnicznych Streszczenie Rodzaj Cyperus L. (Cyperaceae) obejmuje od 750 do 950 gatunków. Występuje w ścisłym powiązaniu z eko- logicznymi ugrupowaniami różnych gatunków traw. Gatunki z rodzaju Cyperus posiadają rozmieszczenie kosmopolityczne. Niektóre z nich są uważane za szkodliwe chwasty uprawowe, jednak duża ich liczba zna- lazła zastosowanie w rolnictwie, ogrodnictwie oraz w przemyśle farmaceutycznym. Cyperus canus J. Presl & C. Presl (Cyperaceae) jest rośliną naturalną dla tropikalnej Ameryki, rosnącą od południowego Meksyku oraz Gwatemali do Kolumbii. Gatunek ten występuje wzdłuż brzegów jezior, strumieni i bagien, a czasami na skałach, na wysokości 200–1500 m n.p.m. W naturalnym środowisku jest rośliną dość rzadko spotykaną, ponieważ traktowany jest jako tępiony chwast. W  Ameryce Środkowej C. canus jest rośliną powszechnie stosowaną do produkcji dywanów, nosidełek dla dzieci, portfeli, teczek, kapeluszy i lin. W Gwatemali, pędy tego gatunku są używane do wyplatania koszy i  torebek, do produktów codziennego użytku (śpiworów, sandałów, wachlarzy) oraz przygotowywania tradycyjnych potraw. W artykule tym opisano zastosowanie i procesy produkcji niektórych ważnych wyrobów wykonywanych z dzikorosnącego C. canus. Słowa kluczowe: Central America, Cyperus canus, stem, practical use Received: [2016.07.13] Accepted: [2016.09.06]