Community | Population characteristics | Ecology | Ethnobotany of the Ilama |
San Antonio de las Huertas | Size: 1818 inhabitants in 2017 (INEGI)
Ethnicity: 1.72% Nahuatl population, majority of mestizo population
Crops: Maize, bean, gourd, ilama, mango, and grasslands | Altitude: 260 masl Relief: Mainly flat with elevations standing above 200 m Climate: Hot, sub-humid (25˚C - 32˚C) Vegetation: Lowland deciduous rainforest Soil: limestone-sandy | Characteristics of ilama: Important variation of types of ilama. All five colors present: white, red, purple, pink, and blue pulp Cultivation methods: Backyards (called patios), ruderal presence, on the borders of maize fields and in the mountains Economic importance: One of the main sources of income for many farmers, also a significant additional source of income for others |
Tejupilco | Size: 65 082 inhabitants in 2017 (IGECEM)
Ethnicity: 127 Nahuatl inhabitants; majority of mestizo population
Crops: Maize, bean, gourd, and tropical fruits as ilama | Altitude:1230 to 1340 masl Relief: Rugged, volcanic origin Climate: semi-hot, humid, rainy in the summer (24˚C - 27˚C) Vegetation: Medium land rainforest Soil: Sedimentary with igneous rocks | Characteristics of ilama: White, red, and blue pulp trees Cultivation methods: The tree is present in many backyards, bordering fields of maize, and in the forests; there are a few orchards Economic importance: Additional income in a more economically active community |
El Ocotillo | Size: 128 inhabitants in 2005 (INEGI)
Ethnicity: Nahuatl majority
Cultures: Self-consumption production of Maize, gourd, bean, and tropical fruits | Altitude: 438 masl Relief: Rugged. Climate: Semi-hot, humid, rainy in the summer Vegetation: Medium land rainforest Soil: Regosol eutric Re/2C | Characteristics of ilama: Only white pulp ilama present Cultivation methods: Organized populations near the village, in backyards, and freely in the mountains. It is also used to outline fields Economic importance: Very small economical interest due to the low local asking prices |