Abstract

GIRALDO-CANAS, Diego. Grasses (Poaceae) used for ornamental and handicraft purposes in Colombia. Polibotánica [online]. 2010, n.30, pp.163-191. ISSN 1405-2768.

A study was conducted on the grasses (Poaceae) used as ornamentals and in handicrafts in Colombia. A total of 134 species belonging to 72 genera were documented as useful; included were 77 native species. Twenty-five species were recorded for the first time for Colombia. Eighteen categories of use were established, of which the more important were outside gardening (85 species), floral arrangements (63), constitution of sods (25), baskets and kitchen utensils (13), and ornaments in religious montages (12). Eleven plant structures were used for decorative purposes or to make handicrafts, of which the complete plant (113 species), inflorescences (63), culms (14), and caryopses (seven) were the most important. The genera with the greatest number of valued species were Paspalum (seven species), Eragrostis (six), Axonopus (five), and Cortaderia (five). The species recorded as being the most used were Gynerium sagittatum (Aubl.) P. Beauv. (11 categories of use), Guadua angustifolia Kunth (10), Arundo donax L. (nine), Phyllostachys aurea Rivière & C. Rivière (seven), Zea mays L. (seven), Aulonemia queko Goudot (six), Saccharum officinarum L. (six), and Calamagrostis effusa (Kunth) Steud. (five). Selected genera and species might be important for the economic development of some Colombian regions. However, further studies are needed to develop strategies for the incorporation and use of other species.

Keywords : Colombian flora; grasses; handicraft uses; ornamental uses.

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