Capparaceae Cleome multicaulis DC.

Slender Spiderflower

Navajo - Other, Tools

Use documented by:
Elmore, Francis H., 1944, Ethnobotany of the Navajo, Sante Fe, NM. School of American Research, page 51

View all documented uses for Cleome multicaulis DC.

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Scientific name: Cleome multicaulis DC.
USDA symbol: CLMU (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Slender Spiderflower
Family: Capparaceae
Family (APG): Cleomaceae
Native American Tribe: Navajo
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Tools
Notes: Stalks used as a drill to start fires. The brittle stalks, about an inch in diameter were used for the drills which were whirled between the palms of the hands and were made to revolve on the edge of a larger stalk into which a notch had been cut. A pinch of sand was sometimes placed under the point of the drill which caused the wood to become a fine powder. This powder then ran down the notch and formed a little pile on the ground. Smoke was produced in less than a minute and in about two minutes tiny sparks dropped onto the pile of dry powder which took fire from them. By carefully feeding the fire with bits of dried bark and grass and with much blowing, a blaze was produced.

RECRD: 2879 id: 10293

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