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Background: The rich Agaveae-based culture that exists in the Ecuadorian Andes is little known. Wild and cultivated rosettes of Agave americana and Furcraea andina coexist in arid Andean landscapes. A. americana is considered an introduced species to Ecuador.

Questions: What are Agaveae use patterns and cultural importance in the Ecuadorian Andes? Is the ethnobotanical significance of Agave in Ecuador comparable to that in Mexico and other Andean countries?

Species studied: Agave americana, Furcraea andina

Study site, dates: Ecuadorian Andes, 2016.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews to Agaveae users (37) and a review of literature on ethnobotanical research conducted in Ecuador since the 18th century.

Results: A. americana is more diversely and widely used than F. andina (124 vs 36 uses and 548 vs 140 use records, respectively). The versatility of A. americana lies in its mishki (sap extracted from its heart) which has multiple medicinal, edible and ceremonial applications. We found significant variation of its use patterns throughout the region. The main use of F. andina as a source of fiber is disappearing. Most productive initiatives involve A. americana (92 %, n = 53).

Conclusion: The importance of A. americana in the Ecuadorian Andes is comparable to that of agaves in Mexico, but not to its importance in other Andean countries where it is used sporadically. It can be considered a cultural keystone species. F. andina could have had that role in the past. A. americana versatility and availability through cultivation could explain why, irrespective of whether or not it is introduced, it remains an icon of identity and cultural cohesion in the Ecuadorian Andes.