Abstract
Juncus arcticus var. andicola is native to the Andean region. Its stems are used to make handicrafts by the rural mestizo population of Cotopaxi province in Ecuador. These products are sold at traditional markets along the Andes of Ecuador. The plant is of great economic importance in the modest lives of the artisans. Totorilla has been cultivated by this rural population. It is cultivated in pools and sometimes wild populations are managed. The area of production is 1.5 ha. One woven item can be made from a 0.35 m2 totorilla stand area. A 100 m2 yielded 850 woven items annually, bringing in a gross income of U.S. $1275 per year, corresponding to 66% of the official minimum salary in Ecuador. The plant also provides a good source of cattle fodder during periods of drought.
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