BASKETRY

THREE-LEAF SUMACH (Rhus trilobata) was used more extensively for basketry than any other plant except willow. American Indian groups like the Navajo and Apache always used the twigs, while the Zuñi reserved them for the very best baskets, while the Navajo made their sacred baskets from them. The peeled branches were used for both warp and weft; for sewing materials the branch was usually split into three strips. The bark and brittle tissue next to the pith would be removed, leaving a flat, tough strand. It was used, too, to produce a black dye, both for baskets, and for leather.
Bassia latifolia > MAHUA