Kumeyaay Ethnobotany: Shared Heritage of the Californias

For thousands of years, the Kumeyaay people of northern Baja California and Southern California made their homes in the diverse landscapes of the region, interacting with native plants and continuously refining their botanical knowledge. Today, many Kumeyaay Indians in the far-flung ranches of Baja California carry on the traditional knowledge and skill for transforming native plants into food, medicine, arts, tools, regalia, construction materials, and ceremonial items. Kumeyaay Ethnobotany explores the remarkable interdependence between native peoples and native plants of the Californias through in-depth descriptions of 47 native plants and their uses, lively narratives and hundreds of vivid photographs. It connects the archeological and historical record with living cultures and native plant specialists who share their ever-relevant wisdom for future generations.