Production and harvest of fibers from Aphandra natalia (Palmae) in Ecuador

Aphandra natalia (Balslev & Henderson) Barfod is native to the western Amazon. It is exploited commercially for its leaf sheath and petiole fibers, which are used for brooms. Data from a 2 year study on production and harvest of fibers in the province of Morona-Santiago in Ecuador shows correlations to exist between the degree of the palm's exposure to light and leaf production, and between exposure to light and petiole length (maximum fiber length), while correlation is absent between exposure to light and fiber load per leaf. A linear relation was found between time and leaf production, with an overall average of 5.5 leaves produced per palm per year. No difference in leaf production of male and female palms was found among palms growing at low light intensities, while among palms in open, light-exposed areas, males were found to produce significantly more leaves than females. An average of 8.5 leaves are cut per palm per harvest, yielding 3.4 kg of fibers, while 6.9 leaves are left untouched. Average harvest time per palm is 33 min. Under optimal conditions (high densities of easy accessible palms), one harvester may harvest and clean about 20 kg of fibers in 1 day, selling at US$1.1 kg⁻¹. One hectare with high, but natural, densities of the palm may produce fibers worth US$460 per year, which can be harvested and prepared in 22 work days. Exploitation of the edible fruits may be combined with fiber extraction if female palms are left to produce fruits, while male palms are exploited for fibers, or if harvest frequency of fibers from female palms is lowered considerably below the average of once every 1.55 years. The exploitation practised in the study area appears sustainable.