LINALOE (Bursera linanoe (La Llave) Rzedowski Calderon & Medina), THREATENED SPECIES WITH TIMBER AND INDUSTRIAL POTENTIAL: A STRATEGY FOR ITS CONSERVATION

Abstract

The LINALOE tree (Bursera linanoe (La Llave) Rzedowski Calderon & Medina), is a species endangered because of overexploitation in the Mexican states of Puebla, Guerrero, Morelos and Oaxaca. Its main application is in the manufacture of handicrafts in Olinalá, Guerrero, where necrotic or “jaspe” wood sections are used, increasing their market value and identifying them as original crafts due to their appearance and aroma. Essential oil is also obtained from distillation of wood and fruits, and it is used in the perfume and pharmaceutical industries. These activities involve the exploitation of natural populations that has been conducted without regard to sustainable management programs. This study presents an alternative for the propagation of linaloe tree, through rooting of cuttings of mature native trees selected in the river Balsas basin, México. This technique will allow establishing nurseries in rural areas in the short-term, and in the mediate way establishing plantations for the sustainable exploitation of the species.