Brahea dulcis stands out due to its use by several ethnic groups, its cultural ties to the indigenous societies from the southeastern drylands of Mexico, and management practices that have allowed the establishment of palm stands, a common feature in regional landscapes. To identify socio-ecological and cultural traces of the species in the landscapes of central-southeastern Mexico, the spatial distribution of palm stands was estimated through visual analysis of imagery, and the geographic characteristics of palm presence were assessed. This information was confronted with historical sources on palm use to understand the biocultural relevance of the species. Brahea dulcis must have been a highly demanded good during the social development of the region, playing relevant roles as a source of fiber for domestic goods, construction, and objects given as tribute. The fulfillment of these relevant needs may have positioned the palm as a highly valued species. Objects made with its fiber were used in rituals of all kinds from birth to death and were involved in political and spiritual ceremonies of conformation of territories through marriage. The deep bond between this species and people historically inhabiting the region provides insights into the high cultural relevance a wild species can portray for a society.