Provides a cross-cultural examination of how the region's native plants have been used by its various peoples. This compilation includes common names of plants in their historical sequence, weaving together what was formerly esoteric information about each species into a full reference. The author accomplishes the monumental task of translating the common names of nearly 900 species and discusses their uses from the utilitarian to the religious and in doing so provides a glimpse into the culture of each ethnic group or tribe. This is the first comprehensive synthesis of this flora-rich region that was so pivotal in the history of New World exploration.