Capparaceae Polanisia dodecandra ssp. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis

Sandyseed Clammyweed

Zuni - Other, Ceremonial Items

Use documented by:
Stevenson, Matilda Coxe, 1915, Ethnobotany of the Zuni Indians, SI-BAE Annual Report #30, page 96

View all documented uses for Polanisia dodecandra ssp. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis

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Scientific name: Polanisia dodecandra ssp. trachysperma (Torr. & Gray) Iltis
USDA symbol: PODOT (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Sandyseed Clammyweed
Family: Capparaceae
Family (APG): Cleomaceae
Native American Tribe: Zuni
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Ceremonial Items
Notes: Switches, roots and blossoms used ceremonially. When the Cactus fraternity returned to their chamber from the last dance at sunset, they were whipped with switches and then roots and blossoms were chewed and ejected over the bodies of the whipped people.

RECRD: 32991 id: 28725

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