New Mexico Privet - Forestiera neomexicana

(Stretchberry)

Ethnobotanical Uses

The Tree

Summer
Fall

 

 

Food:

"Apache, Chiricahua & Mescalero Fruit Raw fruits occasionally eaten as food." (Moerman 234)

Medicine:

"Navajo, Ramah Ceremonial Medicine Leaves used as a ceremonial emetic. Disinfectant Plant used for 'bear infection.'" (Moerman 234)

Other Uses:

"Hopi Ceremonial Items Used to make pahos (prayer sticks). Tools Used for digging stick. --- Water Indicator Large shrubs considered water indicators because wells dug where plants grew always produced water. Jemez Ceremonial Items Berry juice mixed with white clay and used as purple body paint for summer dances." (Moerman 234)