Wicker: an opportunity for diversification and development in the mam communities of Soconusco, Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

This article presents the taxonomic determination of native plants used in wicker production (plant fiber) and local knowledge (use/management) of the resource in five communities in the Tacaná volcano, Soconusco, Chiapas region. The taxonomic determination of the plants was conducted with the photographic review of Dr. Thomas B. Croat, a specialist in Araceae taxonomy . Semi-structured, in depth interviews were conducted in the study communities, and data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The useful plants identified were Monstera acuminata K. Koch and Monstera deliciosa Liebm. A total of 22.41% of the respondents had up-to-dateknowledge of wicker, describing the fiber as a native resource with cultural value. Although the plants do not receive agronomic management in the communities of study, there is a potential to establish diversified management with local coffee plantations. Monstera deliciosa is the most successful species for re-use and conservation in three communities, and proved to be the best known species among respondents. The article concludes that wicker is a potential natural resource for the economic development of Mam communities.