ETHNOBOTANY OF FEROCACTUS-HISTRIX AND ECHINOCACTUS-PLATYACANTHUS (CACTACEAE) IN THE SEMIARID CENTRAL MEXICO - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Ferocactus histrix and Echinocactus platyacanthus are two common barrel cacti of the semiarid highlands of central Mexico. In pre-Columbian times, these plants were sacred, used for sacrifices, food and medicine. Today, these cacti are used in the candy industry, as medicine, as a source of food and water for goals and as ornamental plants. The floral buds and fruits of F. histrix are consumed by the local people; the latter are sold in local markets. Until recently, the apical indument of E. platyacanthus was used for padding and weaving. The importance of these species increases with the aridity of the land and its inadequacy for agriculture. Habitat protection and artificial propagation are needed to avoid the extinction of these species.