Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) is regarded as one of the most beautiful plants that graced this area. This plant is found within the range of the Chihuahuan desert, thriving comfortably at the elevation here at Fort Sumner, which is 4,032 feet above sea level.
This plant served the Diné and Ndé year-round. It must have weighed heavily on everyone’s mind as to how long they would be interned at Fort Sumner. So, when the Ndé arrived in the fall and winter of 1863, the roots of the Apache Plume were available to be dug up and boiled in water as a remedy for colds and coughs that surely happened. As well, the Diné that arrived in September 1863 knew of this plant’s medicinal properties and were probably relieved to see this plant too.
In the spring, the twigs from the branches were made into tea as a remedy for indigestion, loose stools, and diarrhea. It was also used for sore throats and as an anti-inflammatory. Not having any bug-free living spaces necessitated the knowledge of making a crushed-leaf poultice to reduce the redness and irritations from insect bites and scrapes.
Doing their best to make the living areas more habitable, the Diné and Ndé used slender and straight branches to make “brooms” for sweeping and clearing debris. As well, both the Diné and Ndé used these branches for making arrow shafts.
