Liliaceae Chlorogalum pomeridianum (DC.) Kunth

Wavyleaf Soapplant

Kawaiisu - Fiber, Brushes & Brooms

Use documented by:
Zigmond, Maurice L., 1981, Kawaiisu Ethnobotany, Salt Lake City. University of Utah Press, page 19

View all documented uses for Chlorogalum pomeridianum (DC.) Kunth

---

Scientific name: Chlorogalum pomeridianum (DC.) Kunth
USDA symbol: CHPOP4 (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Wavyleaf Soapplant
Family: Liliaceae
Family (APG): Nartheciaceae
Native American Tribe: Kawaiisu
Use category: Fiber
Use sub-category: Brushes & Brooms
Notes: Upper fiber ends dipped in starch, tied together and used as brushes. The brush was used in the following ways: (1) to clean out the bedrock mortar hole before tobacco leaves were pounded and to remove the pulverized tobacco afterwards--a usage that probably applied to other materials--(2) to sweep fine meal off the sifting tray; (3) to brush the hair--an old brush must be used for this purpose or 'the hair ends will split'--and (4) when wet, to scrub things clean.

RECRD: 4186 id: 9713

---