In the Republic of Palau in Micronesia, native and introduced plants play important roles in folk medicine, ornament, and special occasion foods. Folk medicine is practiced both by respected specialists and by nonspecialists who use common remedies. Women use floral hair ornaments on special occasions, particularly the first-child ceremony, with strict rules related to clan membership, while garlands are worn without the complex symbolic values attached to leis in Polynesia. Locally produced taro and cassava are important foods, but increasingly Palauans employ Philippinos in their production. Imported purchased goods are rapidly being substituted for locally produced plant materials. Coconut has nearly disappeared from special occasion foods, replaced by sugar, soft drinks, and packaged baked goods.

Key words: ., ethnobotany, First Child. , food, medicine, ornament, Palau