Professional Documents
Culture Documents
URL https://doi.org/10.14989/68359
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Textversion publisher
Kyoto University
African Study Monographs, Supp!. 15: 1-61, March 1991
Hideaki TERASHIMA
Faculty of Education, Fukui University
Seya KALALA
Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles
Ngandu MALASI
Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles
ABSTRACT Ethnobotanical research was conducted on the traditional use of wild plants
among the Lega slash-and-burn agriculturalists of eastern Zaire. Data on 287 plants were
collected and matched with scientific names, vernaculars, botanical observations, uses, and
name etymology. This report is the first step in a survey that will involve several research
sites in Legaland in an attempt to understand man-plant interrelations in the floral environ-
ment of tropical rain forests through the ethnobotanical method.
Key Words: Ethnobotany; Plant utilization; Tropical rain forest; Lega; Zaire.
INTRODUCTION
Table 1. Ethnobotanical research by Japanese researchers in the tropical rain forest of central Africa.
place ethnic groups references
near Mambasa, Ituri forest, northeastern Zaire : Mbuti, Efe : Terashima et al. (1988)
Bira, Lese Tanno (1981)
Ichikawa (personal comm.)
near Kindu, eastern Zaire : Songola : Ankei (personal comm.)
near Bukavu, eastern Zaire : Nyindu : Yamada (1984)
near Wamba, central Zaire : Bongando : Kimura (personal comm.)
near Wamba, central Zaire : Boyela : Sato (personal comm.)
near Gemena, west-central Zaire : Bambenga : Tanno (personal comm.)
near Impfondo, northern Congo : Baka : Tanno (personal comm.)
Takeuchi (personal comm.)
near Souanke, northern Congo : Baka : Sato (personal comm.)
that the forest cultures occupy a very important place in the huge kaleidoscope of
African cultures.
But unfortunately, the tropical forests in central Africa now faces a serious
threat: serious damage is inflicted on the forests, firstly through the intensive clear-
ing and cultivation due to the rapid increase in population, the creation of large
cash-crop plantations, commercial logging, cutting down trees for firewood and
charcoal that are sold to the people living in larger towns in and around the forest,
and so on. The changes in lifestyle, from a traditional one to a westernized one,
due to the strong influence from a worldwide economic system is an inevitable pro-
cess which bring severe consequences to the traditional man-plant relations in the
forest. The traditional usage and folk knowledge of the plant world are disappear-
ing along with the disappearance of the forest, as are the traditional lifestyles.
Needless to say, ethnobotanical research to record the man-plant interrelations in
traditional form is a most urgent task for ethnobotanists now.
STUDY PLANS
The Legaland is roughly divided into four parts, Le., northern, central, western,
and southeastern parts, which roughly correspond to administrative divisions call-
ed Zone (Fig. 1). We decided on the research time schedule in each division as
follows:
(1) Southeastern Lega: Zone de Mwenga: research in 1988 at Mwenga.
(2) Northern Lega: Zone de Walikale: research in 1989 at Nyamakombola, near
Itebero.
(3) Central Lega: Zone de Shabunda: research will be conducted in 1991.
(4) Western Lega: Zone de Pangi: after 1991, although we do not have a specific
time set.
Because Legaland is so vast, we expect local variation in the floral environment
and other natural characteristics and therefore, local cultural variation. Such local
variation will document the relationship between the environmental restraints and
the cultural factors in plant utilization. On the other hand, beyond such variation,
it is expected that some general characteristics common to all the Lega plant utiliza-
tion will be found.
Mwenga and the area around it has the altitude of ca. 1,200 to 1,500 m above the
sea level, and have much rain throughout the year except for a very short dry
season from June to August. As we go from Mwenga northward, the land rises,
the population declines rapidly and there remain rich forests on the slopes of the
steep mountains.
Two informants were hired during the research, to collect information
systematically. They were both Lega men in their late 60's, having deep knowledge
of the plants and their utilization, but were not mufumu. Mufumu is a special her-
balist who is not only familiar with ordinary medicines but also with sorcery. Our
aim is to compile the knowledge at the ordinary level and not at the esoteric. The in-
formation we got was almost entirely from those two informants, supplemented
somewhat by others.
The plants were collected in roadside bushes, secondary growth, waste clearings,
in the forest by the Luindi River, and so on near Mwenga, and in the forest on the
mountain slopes about 15 km north of Mwenga. Usually, the informants first
pointed to plants which had meant something to them. We would collect them
along with botanical and ethnobotanical data. Not only the plants which were con-
sidered useful for the informants, but also those with negative usage or connota-
tion, for example, persistent bad weeds in the cultivated fields were collected. In
other words, we collected the plants to which the Lega showed any interest, no mat-
ter what it was.
Due to the shortness of the research period, we cannot say that we could get in-
formation on each plant in full detail and with much care. Even one medical use of
a plant would involve a bulk of interrelated information. Our aim is primarily to
get an overview of plant utilization, so we tried to gather as much information as
possible in the limited research period, rather than to do meticulous investigation
on each plant species.
More than 300 specimens were collected along with their ethnobotanical informa-
tion. They were identified at the Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles at
Lwiro, Bukavu. A total of 287 plants were listed in Appendix 1 in alphabetical
order by families and species.
We present here a sketch of the results and the points that should be considered
in pursuing future research. Brief explanations are given on each description item
on the data list.
I. Botanical Identification
Vernacular names were recorded for almost all specimens except two, namely,
No.183 and No.186. Lega nouns have singular and plural forms which are
distinguished by prefixes. Each vernacular is presented in the list in the singular
form followed by plural prefixes in the parentheses when the plural form is
different from the singular. When common names, such as English or Swahili
names, are available, they are shown after the vernaculars.
Folk classification seems to correspond almost one-to-one to the botanical
species as for as the specimen collected are concerned. There is no over-differentia-
tion in folk classification, i.e., differentiating one botanical species into more than
one vernacular species, except in two cases (#101 and #102, #136 and #137).
Some vernacular names are apparently compound names that consist of a
primary name and a modifier. The opposition of forest vs village, expressed as
mbala or mwitu vs mbuka, and male vs female, i.e., mulume vs muashi are the
most frequently used for making those compound vernacular names. The follow-
ing words were also used as modifiers: abambale: centipede, aluchi or uluchi:
water, ashibondo: meaning unknown, atengetenge: meaning unknown,
atoloela: small, bakabo: ancestors, basile: mad persons, bululu: bitterness,
ekuba: field after harvest, ele: fruit name, ilola: field after harvest, iyulu: frog,
kyoya: meaning unknown, mambwe: toilet, nganingani: doubt, ngoi: leopard,
nyabilundu: bitter, paa: white.
The botanical status of those plants distinguished by a male-female or wild-
village dichotomy seems mostly to be different species of the same genus, or
different genera of the same family. More data are, however, necessary to further
these comparisons.
III. Observations
Short descriptions are provided for each plant on such items as the life form,
habitat, local abundance, and other botanical features, and several measurements
on the actual specimens.
In terms of the life form specimens are classified as follows; 117 trees, 35 shrubs,
116 herbs, 20 Hanas, 4 palms, 1 bamboo, 7 ferns, and 1 lichen (some species are
counted in more than one category of life form, due to their ambiguous
characteristics). Among them, 143 were of the forest, primary as well as secondary,
153 of open vegetation, such as roadside bushes and waste clearings, and one was
from the riverside. Three species were epiphytic, and 13 were cultivated plants.
Plants of fairly various botanical forms and vegetation types were collected. At
6 H. TERASHIMA et ale
least from plant utilization alone, the Lega do not seem to be as exclusively forest-
oriented as they are generally thought of. Nearby vegetation may be utilized more
frequently than distant one from the village.
IV. Uses
Each usage on the data list is headed by at least one ~~ usage category." The
alphabet letter denotes the use category and the number denotes the plant part
category. Both categories follow the classification system of AFlora database
which is listed in Table 2 (AFCOM, 1988). The actual number of the plants which
are classified into each usage category are shown in Table 3.
It is clear that quite many plants are used for medical purposes. This cor-
responds with the fact that the Lega have a deep concern for their health. Accor-
ding to one informant, every plant has some medicinal effect, and the issue is
whether he or she knows it. It is also said that to keep one's health, a Lega takes
care of oneself to the extent that he or she may administer some medicine by enema
everyday for cleaning the body.
There are much variation among the individuals in the quantity and quality of
medicinal knowledge of plants, and among the popularity of each medical treat-
ment. Some individuals have quite a deep and specific knowledge on the medicinal
plants, while others are not so sure. Some treatments are quite popular, but others
are very uncommon. The wafumu (the plural of mufumu), whom we mentioned
earlier, are those who have much uncommon and esoteric knowledge about the
medicinal effects of the plants. How to deal with these variations is apparently one
serious problem in the study of ethnomedicine.
Some problems in conducting an ethnomedicinal research are discussed by
Croom(1982) in detail. He mentions many points to which ethnobotanists should
pay much attention for attaining scientific standards in one's research. In our
research, as we have already mentioned, we could not get sufficient information to
attain a desired accuracy level, firstly due to the shortness of the collection period,
and secondly, due to our primary aim. Of course, we agree that careful follow-up
Table 2. Usage and plant part categories following AFlora (After AFCOM, 1988).
A: Medical 0: Whole, or unspecified part
B: Food and drink 1: Fruit, seed
c: Material culture 2: Flower, flower bud
D: Ritual and magical 3: Leaf
E: Poison 4: Stem (herb), stalk
F: Narcotics, seasonings 5: Root, tuber
G: Oral traditions, indicators of natural phenomena 6: Bark, skin
H: Used by men in indirect ways such as fodder, trap bait 7: Vine-stem, Hana
I: Used by wild animals 8: Sap, juice, resin, gum
J: Others 9: Trunk, wood, pith
X: Other parts
V. Name Etymology
Some vernacular names are shown with their literal meanings and etymologies.
Many vernacular names are, however, still need etymological analysis. The com-
parison of the vernacular names obtained from different research sites would help
to analyze them.
REFERENCES
the Efe of the Ituri forest, the Republic of Zaire. African Study Monographs, Supple-
mentary Issue, 8: 1-78.
Vansina, J. 1984. Equatorial Africa and Angola: Migrations and the emergence of the first
states. General History of Africa, 4: 551-577.
Yamada, T. 1984. Habitation and plant world of the Nyindu (in Japanese). In (J. Itani & T.
Yoneyama, eds.) Africa Bunka no Kenkyu, pp.621-670, Academia-Shuppan-Kai,
Kyoto.
pindula
Acanthaceae
Observations: A shrub found on roadsides.
Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is taken like tea (~to
# 1 Acanthus pubescens Engl. (LGMOI93) increase blood."
isabala'i'o (ma-) Name etymology: Pindula is from ku-pindua, a
Observations: An erect herb found on roadsides Swahili verb, meaning nto change." The color
and in clearings; many spines on leaf edges; of a decoction changes from green to red as it is
leaves elliptic, c. 10 x 30 cm, doubly dentate. boiled.
Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is used as an enema
for abdominal pains. # 6 Mimulopsis arborescens C. B. CI.
Name etymology: [saba-la-'i'o; ndrink of a por- (LGM0259)
cupine." isaba: drink, 'i'o: a porcupine. Many lu'ola'ola
spines recall the porcupine. Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves op-
posite, c. 15 x 15 cm, deeply dentate.
# 2 Brillantaisia nyanzarum Burkill (LGMOOI9) Use: (C9) The wood provides firewood, but is
nalukundu not good for house-construction.
Observations: An erect herb found on roadsides; (Hili) Birds, especially pigeons, eat the fruits.
leaves opposite, tomentose. They eat those fallen on the ground, so people
Use: (A3) The plant is used for kwashiorkor, a set traps called muyaya there.
disease called bwaki; a leaf-infusion is given as
an enema; the same treatment is also applied to a #7 Thomandersia laurifolia (T. Anders. ex
pregnant woman for easy delivery. Benth.) Baill. (LGM0058, LGMOI70)
(A3) The leaves are used in vapor-baths for ibesebese (ma-)
malaria. Observations: A small tree or shrub found on
Name etymology: Na-lukundu; nplant growing roadsides as well as in forest; leaves opposite, en-
on banana fields." lukundu: a banana field, na: a tire, narrowly elliptic, caudate, c. 2.5 x 10 cm,
prefix for making a noun. petioles 3-4 cm; fruits round, c. 1-1.5 cm in
diam., in spikes.
#3 Brillantaisia patula T. Anders. (LGM0072) Use: (A3) A leaf-macerate is taken when the
'imashumashu (bi-) stomach is irritating.
Observations: An erect herb found on roadsides (C9) The thin stems are used for game-traps.
and in clearings; leaves opposite; seeds in the (C9) The wood is used for house-construction
pods; in tomentose. and firewood.
Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is taken for coughs.
# 8 unidentified (LGM0240)
#4 Dyschoriste perottetii (Nees) A. Ktze 'alanda (tu-)
(LGMOO96) Observations: A climbing herb or shrub, occurr-
mulunda (mi-); mulendelende (mi-) ing in forest as well as on roadsides; leaves op-
Observations: An erect herb found on roadsides. posite, narrowly elliptic, c. 2.5 x 7 cm, tips
Use: (B3) The leaves are cooked and eaten as a acuminate; flowers growing from axils.
vegetable; not bitter. Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion is used as an enema for
abdominal pains.
#5 Eremomastax polysperma (Benth.) Dandy
(LGMOI31)
10 H. TERASHIMA et al.
Agavaceae Annonaceae
Compositae
# 33 Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. (LGM0022)
bwaulo
Observations: A short herb found on roadsides; # 37 Ageratum conyzoides L. (LGM0092)
leaves opposite. nishunda (ba+)
Use: (AO) The plant is used for coughs; it is boil- Observations: An erect herb found on roadsides;
ed in a pot covered with banana leaves and the leaves opposite; flowers in umbels.
vapor is drawn with a pipe through the cover. Use: (A3) Mashed leaves are applied to wounds
(AO) The ash of the plant is sniffed up the nose and swellings.
for coughs and colds. Name etymology: «A smelling plant." ishunda:
(A3) The leaves are used in vapor-baths for colds smell.
accompanied by headaches, coughs and sniffs.
# 38 Aspilia kotschyi (Sch. Bip.) Oliv.
(LGM0069)
Commelinaceae
'ibabula (bi-)
Observations: A herb found on roadsides and in
# 34 Commelina benghalensis L. (LGM0020) clearings; leaves opposite, tomentose; flowers
mutekya (mi-) white.
Observations: An erect or climbing herb occurr- Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is used as an enema
ing commonly on roadsides. for stomach-aches or abdominal troubles called
Use: (AO) A macerate of the plant mixed with panga.
soft matete (#100 Pennisetum purpureum) is
given as an enema for dysentery. # 39 Bidens pilosa L. (LGM0038)
(A4 A8) Stem-sap is applied to head skin nyasa; Spanish needles or black fellows (E)
troubles, especially a disease that causes white Observations: An erect herb occurring on road-
patches on the head. sides; white-rayed flowers, c. 1 cm across; rayless
(A4 D4) The stem is put around the neck for a flowers attach easily to human clothes.
strain one has got while sleeping; the strain is call- Use: (AI) The oiled ash of the seeds, mixed with
ed anyolela. other medicinal plants, is applied to hemor-
(C8) The sap is also used as a paste for sticking rhoids.
paper. (A3) A leaf-decoction is taken for kidney
troubles. It is also used as an enema or taken in
# 35 Palisota ambigua (P. Beauv.) C. B. Cl. draught for serious dysentery called mukongo;
(LGM0053) in case of emergency the leaves are eaten raw.
itotobanyu (ma-) (Fl) A seed-decoction is taken as tea.
Observations: A common robust herb found on (GO) A proverb: Nyasa, mulumbu wa senga;
forest floor. ~~Nyasa, the mother of the twins."
Use: (A5) A root-decoction is given as an enema
for stomach and intestinal troubles calledpanga. # 40 Crassocephalum bubense S. Moore
(C3) The long and wide leaves are used to wrap (LGM0086)
fish, meat and other food. mushwalindi (mi-)
Observations: An erect herb found on roadsides;
# 36 Palisota hirsuta (Thunb.) K. Schum. flowers in umbels.
(LGM0232) Use: (A3) An extract of the leaves is used as eye
'imo 'omo '0- 'ya-mbala (bi-) drops for conjunctivitis.
14 H. TERASHIMA et al.
(CO) The plant is put into a vessel (mukenge) for treatment is said to be quite painful.
beer fermentation to prevent the beer from going
bad. # 44 Erfangea cordifoUa (Benth. ex Oliv.) S.
(C3) The plant is used to cleanse copper products Moore (LGMOI23)
and some other things; they are rubbed with the mbushi-ya-paa
leaves; a leaf macerate is also used as a soap- Observations: A herb found on roadsides;
substitute for washing clothes. flowers in cymes; the undersurfaces of leaves are
whitish.
# 41 Crassocephalum vilelUnum (Benth.) S. Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is taken for tuber-
Moore (LGMOOll) culosis (mishilo).
tondobile Name etymology: tt A white goat." mbushi: a
Observations: An erect herb occurring common- goat, paa: white. The whitish undersurfaces of
lyon roadsides; yellow to orange colored the leaves suggest the color of the white goat.
flowers, c. 1 cm, at the stalk terminals.
Use: (A3) Several drops of the liquid squeezed # 45 Erfangea spissa S. Moore (LGM0008)
from the leaves are instilled into the eyes to treat fusefe-fwa-mufume
jaundice; or a leaf-decoction, boiled with the Observations: A common herb found on road-
leaves of mapefa (#164 Psidium guajava) is used sides; leaves opposite, elliptic, 8 x 12 cm, ser-
as an enema for it. rate.
(A3) A leaf-decoction is taken for abdominal Remarks: Another plant having the same ver-
complaints, and particularly for kidney nacular: #55 Vernonia jugalis. Another plant
disorders. having a related vernacular: lusefe-fwa-muashi:
#53 Vernonia brachicalyx.
# 42 Dichrocephala integrifoUa (L.f.) Kuntze Use: (A3 A6) The plant is used for dysentery
(LGM0043) (mukongo); a leaf-decoction or a bark-infusion
'ishindambuka- 'ya-mbuka (bi-) warmed slightly under the sun is given by enema.
Observations: A herb found on roadsides. Name etymology: ttMale fusefe." mufume: male.
Remarks: A related species: 'ishindambuka-ya-
uluchi (#51 Spilanthes mauriliana). # 46 Gynura ruwenzoriensis S. Moore
Use: (AI) The fruits or seeds are rubbed on the (LGM0007)
throat for tonsillitis. 'ilelama (bi-)
(A3) The liquid extracted from crushed leaves Observations: A herb commonly found on road-
(milangakuba) is dripped into the eyes to cure sides; leaves alternate.
mental disorders; the treatment is said to cause Use: (A3) A leaf-macerate is used as an enema
severe pains. for children as a purgative and a leaf-infusion is
(AI Dl) The seeds enter into magical treatment used in baths for fever.
for cataract (songo); while the seeds are put on a
fire and emitting cracking sounds, the doctor # 47 Microgfossa pyrifolia (Lam.) Kuntze
calls the name of the patient repeatedly; it is not (LGMOl11)
necessary that the patient should present there. 'abusufamitete (tu-)
Name etymology: tt'Ishindambuka of the Observations: A climbing shrub found in secon-
village." mbuka: a village. dary forest and waste clearings; the stem has a
hole inside; leaves alternate.
# 43 Erigeron floribunda Schum. Bip. Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is used as an enema
(LGMOOI3) for abdominal pains.
'afumekwanga (tu-) (A3) The leaves are pounded and taken by
Observations: A common herb found on road- mouth with the sweet sap of oil-palm (mutobe)
sides; many small yellowish flowers and long nar- for stomach complaints, or a leaf-infusion is
row leaves. given by enema.
Use: (A3) The leaves are eaten raw or a leaf- (CO) The stem is used to bore a hole through the
infusion is taken for stomach-aches. midrib of a banana leaf, which is used as a smok-
(A3 A8) Several drops of the liquid squeezed ing pipe (lubumbr); the vernacular name comes
from the pounded leaves are dripped into the from that.
nose for curing tonsillitis (kilimi). The liquid is Name etymology: tt A thing to make a hole
also instilled into the eyes (for headaches?); the through the banana stalk." busufa: to make a
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 15
hole, mitete: the rachises of banana leaves. See Remarks: Related plant: 'ishindambuka-'ya-
the usage. mbuka (#42 Dichrocephala integrifolia).
Use: (A3) The throat is rubbed with the leaves
# 48 Mikania cordata (Burm. f.) B. L. Robin- for treating tonsillitis (kilimr).
son (LGM0079) (A3) A leaf-decoction is given by enema for ab-
bombwe dominal complaints.
Observations: A climbing herb found on road- Name etymology: " 'Ishindambuka of the
sides; hairs on the stem. water." uluchi: water.
Remarks: A plant having the same vernacular:
#245 unidentified. # 52 Vernonia amygdalina Del. (LGM0033)
Use: (A3) The raw leaves are rubbed on the mubilishi (mi-); bitterleaf (E)
knee-joints for relieving pains; and the leaves are Observations: A shrub to small tree found on
eaten raw for stomach-aches. roadsides; hairs on stems; prickles on leaf-edges.
Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion is taken in draught, or
# 49 Senecio hochstetteri SChltz-Bip. ex A. the leaves are eaten raw for stomach-ache; it
Rich. (LGM0070) tastes very bitter.
lulamilumo-lwa-mbuka (A3) Crushed leaves are applied to skin-
Observations: An erect herb found on roadsides eruptions (upele).
and in clearings; leaves alternate; yellow flowers, (C3) The inside of a beer brewing pot is rubbed
c. 1 cm across. with the leaves to make the beer strong.
Remarks: Another lulamilumo ( #267 unidentifi- (C9) The wood is used for house-building and
ed). firewood.
Use: (A3) The leaves are eaten raw for stomach-
ache and other intestinal complaints. # 53 Vernonia brachicalyx O. Hoffm.
(A3) The leaves are pounded with the seeds of a (LGM0009)
marrow, called kokoliko, added some water and lusefe-lwa-muashi; ironweed (E)
cooked without oil and taken by women after Observations: A herb commonly found on road-
parturition for promoting a rich milk supply. sides; many small pinkish flowers in panicles;
(A3 A8) The sap is squeezed from the pounded alternate leaves.
leaves and dripped into the ears for ear com- Use: (10) No use recorded; effectiveness against
plaints; two kinds of liquid are prepared, a warm dysentery, ascribed to lusele-lwa-mulume (#45
one and a cold one; the warm one is given first, Erlangea spissa and #55 Vernonia jugalis), is
then the other. denied by an informant for this species.
Name etymology: "One tongue of the village Name etymology: "Female fusele." muashi:
type." lulami: a tongue, lumo: one, mbuka: a female.
village. The form of the leaves looks like human
tongues. # 54 Vernonia conferta Benth. (LGM0063)
mupu'upu'u (mi-)
# 50 Senecio stuhlmannii Klatt (LGM0130) Observations: A small to medium-sized tree
lu'ololo found in secondary forest; leaves, oblong-
Observations: A shrub found in clearings; leaves lanceolate, c. 40 x 10 cm; small flowers in
large, elliptic to ovate, tomentose, many flowers racemes.
in cymes. Use: (A6) The powdered ash of the bark is mixed
Use: (A3) A paste of leaves is applied to the with palm oil and applied to skin-eruptions
wounds called katunda, a kind of ulcer or boil (upefe).
which develops mainly on the legs, and can last (C3) The large leaves are used for wrapping
far up to a year. various things.
(A3) A leaf-decoction is given as an enema for ab- (C9) The wood is used as firewood.
dominal pains.
# 55 Vernoniajugalis Olivo & Hiern (LGMOI27)
# 51 Spilanthes mauritiana (Rich. ex Pers) DC. fusele-lwa-mufume
(LGMOI58) Observations: A herb found on roadsides;
'ishindambuka- 'ya-uluchi (bi-) orange flowers in large cymes.
Observations: A herb found in clearings; leaves Remarks: Related plants with the same ver-
opposite, ovate, c. 2 x 4 cm, lightly serrate. nacular: #45 Erfangea spissa, and fusefe-lwa-
16 H. TERASHIMA et al.
muashi: #53 Vernonia brachiaca/yx. vegetable, often with cassava porridge called
Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion, warmed a bit, is used ugali; this does not have the bitterness of musaa-
for dysentery by enema. wa-nyabilundu (#32 C/eome sp.).
Name etymology: ((Male /use/e." mu/ume: male. Name etymology: ((Musaa of a centipede."
abanlbale: a centipede.
# 56 Vernonia sp. (LGM0304)
utawatemi
Cucurbitaceae
Observations: A woody climber; leaves elliptic,
2.5-3 x 6-7 cm, tips acuminate, petioles c. 1
cm. # 60 Cogniauxia trilobata Cogn. (LGM008!)
Use: (JO) No use recorded. /enga (ba+)
Observations: A climbing herb found on road-
sides; tendrils; large palmate leaves.
Convolvulaceae
Use: (HI II) The fruit is used as bait for trapping
the giant rat (mukumbz).
# 57 Cuscuta sp. (LGM0045)
nde/e/e # 61 Me/othria punctata (Thunb.) Cogn.
Observations: A climbing herb occurring on (LGM0099)
roadsides; no leaves; the stems twist around kukilamaso/a
other plants and kill them. Observations: A small tomentose herb found on
Use: (A4) The stalk is used for children's in- roadsides.
testinal worms; the pounded stalks are put into Use: (A3) The plant is used for persistent coughs
the sweet sap of oil-palm (mutobe), and given to in children (perhaps whooping cough); the
children. pounded leaves are put in mutobe (banana juice
(A4) The plant is also used for leprosy before fermentation into an alcoholic drink) and
(bibembz); the powdered ash of the stalks is ap- given to the children.
plied to the affected parts of the body. (A3) When a newborn baby does not discharge
Name etymology: ((Take care of the children." excrement well, a leaf-infusion is given as an
The vernacular comes from a verb ku-/e/a, ((to enema.
take care of a child." (B3) The leaves are eaten raw as a vegetable.
Name etymology: ((A plant which covers pum-
pkins." ku-kila: to cover, maso/a: pumpkins.
Crassulaceae
This plant grows a lot in the fields and sometimes
covers pumpkins there.
# 58 Ka/anchoe crenata (Andr.) Haw.
(LGM0042) # 62 Physedra bequaertii De Wild. (LGM0216)
'inee (bi-) mugilegile (mi-)
Observations: An erect herb occurring on road- Observations: A climbing herb with tendrils,
sides, sometimes planted around the house; found in clearings; leaves opposite, cordate,
small orange flowers. trilobate, c. 13 x 15 cm.
Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is taken in draught Use: (AI) The powder of the fruits mixed with
for stomach and kidney troubles. that of umbi fruits (uncollected) is applied to
(GO) A proverb: Mwana wa mwami, inee swellings (ngosha) that appear behind the ears,
taulichakwa na butoshi; (([nee is the child of a after removing the pus by opening them.
grand chief; it is not bitten by worms."
# 63 unidentified (LGM0226)
'atiuto (tu-)
Cruciferae
Observations: A climbing herb with tendrils
found on roadsides; leaves opposite, cordate, c.
# 59 Ericastrun1 arabicum Fisch et Mey 8 x 13 cm; hairy red fruit.
(LGM0094) Use: (Dl D3) The leaves are smoked or the ash
musaa-wa-abamba/e (mi-) of the fruit is licked or rubbed into scarifications
Observations: An erect herb occurring on road- to keep the sorcerers away.
sides; seeds in thin pods.
Use: (B3) The leaves are cooked and eaten as a
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 17
# 64 unidentified (LGMOI32)
Cyperaceae
'a'usa'usa (tu-)
Observations: A climbing shrub occurring on
roadsides; leaves trilobate, tomentose. # 68 Scleria barteri Boeck. (LGMOI41)
Use: (A3) For tuberculosis, the leaves are pound- luelabashubi; lusesabashubi
ed with groundnuts and a bit of salt, or the leaf- Observations: A grass found on roadsides and in
sap is mixed with the seeds of kokoliko, a kind wet places; sharp leaf-edges.
of marrow, and taken orally. Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is taken by pregnant
women for abdominal pains due to pregnancy.
# 65 unidentified (LGM0077) Name etymology: tt A plant that cuts fishermen."
mukandakanda (mi-) ku-ela or ku-sesa: to cut, bashubi: fishers. This
Observations: A climbing herb with tendrils, oc- plant grows in quantity where fishers set their
curring on roadsides. traps and nets and injures them with the sharp
Remarks: Another mukandakanda: #226 leaf-edges.
Cissus ukerewensis.
Use: (A5) The root-powder is licked or is put in-
Dioscoreaceae
to water and given as an enema for easy delivery.
(A6) Bark-powder is added to the drink called
musululu which is given to children suffering # 69 Dioscorea minutiflora Engl. (LGM0142)
from bwema, probably bronchitis or kungumanga
pneumonia. Observations: A climbing herb found on road-
sides.
# 66 unidentified (LGM0247) Use: (A5) A root-decoction is used as an enema
museme-wa-muashi (mi-) for abdominal troubles called panga.
Observations: A climbing herb found in forest (A5) The slices of the root are applied to the
and on roadsides; leaves opposite, cordate, c. 6 boils Uipu) , which become maturate and burst;
x 8 cm. the boil often develops one after one at the same
Remarks: Related plant: fnuseme-wa-mulume spot.
(#277 unidentified). (GO) A proverb: Kungumanga waisuli,
Use: (A3 D3) The leaves are used in vapor-baths taulichakwa; ttKungumanga resembles mulili,
for curing a person possessed by evils. but it cannot be eaten."
Name etymology: ttFemale museme." muashi:
female. # 70 Dioscorea sp. (LGMO 186)
isaa (ma-)
Observations: A climbing herb found in forest
Cyatheaceae
and clearings; leaves compound, bilobate and
tomentose; many prickles on the stems.
# 67 unidentified (LGM0024) Use: (B5) The roots are edible; sliced roots are
'isembekele (bi-) kept in water for a couple of days for removing
Observations: A very large fern occurring in bitterness before cooking; today they are rarely
moist places, usually on primary forest floor; used.
locally common; more than 2 m in height, a hard
woody stem. # 71 Dioscorea sp. (LGM0080)
Use: (A9) The pith is used for enhancing male i'unju (ma-)
sexual ability; the scrapings of the pith are put in- Observations: A climbing herb found on road-
to alcohol drinks and taken by draught, or the in- sides.
fusion is used as an enema. Use: (AO A5) The root or bulbil is scraped with a
(C3) The leaves are used for house-construction. knife then applied to swellings or boils in order
(C9) The stems are very good for house- to make them burst quickly.
construction; they are very durable.
(GO) A proverb: 'Isembekele tabe isonge, # 72 Dioscorea sp. (LGM0018)
mwana akande utuna tabute nyachi; mulili (mi-)
ttIsembekele cannot bear a fruit, even a big child Observations: A climbing herb, occurring com-
cannot bear its mother." monly on roadsides; many prickles on the stem;
leaves opposite.
18 H. TERASHIMA et ale
Use: (B4 B5) The soft stem-terminals are roasted # 77 Euphorbia sp. (LGM0233)
and eaten as a vegetable; the root is also eaten; mambalushiba
sometimes it is cultivated in fields. Observations: A tree found in forest, particular-
ly occurring near water; leaves ovate, tips retuse,
c.5 x 12 cm.
Euphorbiaceae
Use: (Cl) The black seed-oil called abusa is used
for decorating the body especially by women.
# 73 Alchornea cordifolia (Schum. & Thonn.) (J9) It is said that the plant is not used for house-
Mull. Arg. (LGMOOI5) construction.
lungusu; dovewood or Christmas bush (E) Name etymology: ttMamba of the pond." mam-
Observations: A shrub to small tree, occurring ba: a name of an uncollected tree, lushiba: a
commonly on roadsides; small red fruit, c. 1 cm pond. This plant tends to grow near ponds.
in diam.; leaves alternate.
Use: (A3 A6) A bark- or leaf-infusion is given to # 78 Ficus natalensis Hochst. (LGM0205)
children by enema for the treatment of intestinal 'aliwe (tu-)
worms. Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves alter-
(C3) The leaves are used for dying cloths black; nate, cuneate, C. 2 x 6 cm, Yielding latex.
cloths are soaked into a leaf-decoction and expos- Use: (C8) Bird-lime bulembo is made of the
ed to the sun for a while. latex.
(11) The fruits are eaten by birds. (C9) The wood is used for house-construction
and firewood.
# 74 Alchornea Spa (LGM0061) (H 1 II) The fruits are eaten by birds, so are used
'atumbanyi (tu-) as a bait to trap them.
Observations: A small tree of roadsides and
waste clearings; leaves alternate, ovate, petioles # 79 Macaranga congolensis Mull. Arg.
c. 8 cm long, tomentose. (LGM0234)
Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is used as an enema mwoka (mi-)
for a baby's disease called ipele or kikoma; the Observations: A tree found in forest, waste clear-
baby would have the swollen abdomen, constipa- ings and on roadsides; leaves palmate, C. 20 x
tion, and would be attacked by malaria frequent- 20 cm; petioles C. 20 cm long.
ly. Use: (C3) The leaves are used to wrap ground-
(A9 D9) The wood is used for snake-bites; a nuts and the seeds of a squash called u'uma or
piece of wood, c. 10-20 cm, is pressed against kokoliko.
the wound; it is said that the wood piece must be (C3) The leaves are also used for making the
cut from the stem only by a single blow of a roofs and walls of temporal huts in the forest.
machete. (C9) The wood is used for house-construction
and firewood
# 75 Bridelia stenocarpa Mull. Arg. (LGMOI28)
mukembu (mi-) # 80 Neoboutonia macrocalyx Pax (LGMOI90)
Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves alter- 'ishubu (bi-)
nate. Observations: A medium-sized tree found in
Use: (A6) A bark-decoction is used as an enema forest; leaves tomentose, cordate, c. 15 x 20 cm.
for abdominal pains. Use: (A3) The leaves with those of luo (#176
Phytolacca dodecandra) and kibishe (an un-
# 76 Elaeophorbia drupifera (Thonn.) Stapf collected plant) are heated over a fire and taken
(LGMOI50) by mouth as a purgative for cleaning bowels;
mubamba (mi-) sometimes a leaf-decoction is used as an enema.
Observations: A tree found in forest, with many (C9) The tree is used for house-construction and
prickles; Yielding a white latex; leaves containing firewood.
much water.
Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction with a bit of salt add- # 81 Phyllanthus capillaris Schum. & Thonn.
ed is taken for coughs. (LGM0085)
(C9) The tree makes a good hedge; it roots easi- ,amuaga (tu-)
ly. Observations: A small tree found on roadsides
and in bush.
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 19
Remarks: Same vernacular plant: #82 Plyllan- leaves; when a strong wind blows, the cater-
thus sp. pillars fall down to the ground, then people
Use: (A3) The leaves are eaten raw for intestinal gather them to eat.
troubles calledpanga, or a leaf-decoction is used
as an enema. # 86 unidentified (LOM0235)
(C3) Copper products are rubbed with the leaf 'igulugulu (bi-); lwashumba
for cleansing; the pounded leaves are also used Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves alter-
as a soap-substitute. nate, elliptic, c. 4-5 x 10 cm, tips apiculate.
(D3) When it hails, the village chief (mwaml) Use: (A6) A bark-decoction is used as an enema
chews the leaves then spits them against the rain for abdominal pains.
in purpose of driving it away. (C9) The tree provides good planks.
Name etymology: «A plant which spreads out
(seeds)." ku-muaga: to spread out. # 87 unidentified (LOMOI35)
'iakani (bi-)
# 82 Phyllanthus sp. (LOM0095) Observations: A shrub or short tree found in
,amuaga (tu-) waste clearings and on roadsides; leaves alter-
Observations: A small tree found on roadsides. nate.
Use: See above. Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion is administered by
enema for abdominal pains.
# 83 Ricinus communis L. (LOM0051) (D3) When a woman comes back home from the
ikakya (ma-); castor bean (E); balika (Sw) fields, she rubs her hands and breasts with the
Observations: A tall shrubby herb usually leaves in order to prevent bad things from affec-
cultivated as castor oil; large palmate leaves, c. ting her child.
25 cm. (00) A proverb: Iaka nambyele, ndi iakani; ~~A
Use: (Al) The seed-oil is used as a purgative for mother kills herself, the child should die."
cleaning bowels; this usage is said to have been
introduced by Europeans; although the plant is
Flacourtiaceae
indigenous, people did not know such usage.
(A3 A4) The plant is used for a children's disease
called ndeke; the stalk is put around the head of # 88 Casearia cf. engleri Oilg (LOMOI05)
the patient; or the leaves are used in vapor- mukango (mi-)
baths. Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves alter-
nate.
# 84 Tetrorchidium didymostemon (Baill.) Pax Use: (A3) A cold leaf-infusion is taken for fre-
& K. Hoffm (LOMOI12) quent urination, probably due to diabetes.
'abelangwa (tu-) (C9) The wood is good for firewood and house-
Observations: A tree found in forest and waste construction.
clearings. (11) The fruits are eaten by wild pigeons
Use: (C9) The wood is used for hut- (tumamba).
construction; but it is not used for firewood due
to the smoke which smells bad and causes it-
Oleicheniaceae
ching; probably because of some substances in
it, the wood shows resistance to insect attack,
then good for construction. # 89 Dicranopteris linearis (N. L. Burm.)
(00) A proverb: Kabelangwa, mushumbo wa Underw. (LOM0090)
sinda; ~~Kabelangwa, it is the tree to dig a grave." lubalibali
Observations: A fern commonly found on road-
# 85 Uapaca zanzibarica Pax (LOMOI63) sides.
musela (mi-) Use: (C4) The hard skin of the stem is used for
Observations: A tall tree found in forest; more making fish-traps (kigoni or kisaboka), beds and
than 20 m high; large leaves, ovate, c. 15 x 30 chairs.
cm, petioles 5 cm.
Use: (C9) The wood provides reddish planks call-
ed mutakatifu and is used for firewood.
(HO) Edible caterpillars called milanga eat the
20 H. TERASHIMA et al.
ash of cassava is applied to tooth cavities to stop See the usage (C3).
toothache.
(CO) The plant is used for house-construction, # 104 unidentified (LGM0266)
roofs and walls. munyaku (mi-)
Observations: A short grass found in waste clear-
# 101 Setaria megaphylla (Steud.) Th. Dur. & ings; leaves alternate, lanceolate 2 x 9 cm;
Schinz (LGM0208) racemes oppositely or whorledly arranged at the
isani-lya-kyoya (ma-) terminal of the stem.
Observations: A grass; leaves tomentose, larger Use: (CO) The plant is used for a temporal hut in
than 6 x 60 cm. the forest.
Remarks: Two kinds of isani are distinguished. (C3) The leaves are used for folding tobacco for
-kyoya has many soft short hairs on the leaves, smoking.
-nganingani (see below, #102) does not. (GO) It is said that the place where the plant
Use: (A3) A shoot macerate is given to children grows in abondunce is suitable for rice cultiva-
by enema for diarrhea. tion.
(CO) The plant is used for thatching roofs.
(C3) The leaves are good for mashing bananas
Guttiferae
for making beer because they have hairy sur-
faces.
(H3 13) The plant provides good fodder for # 105 Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex
domestic animals such as goats and cattle, and Poir. (LGMOOI0)
for wild ones such as cane-rats (sengI). mushombo (mi-)
Observations: A tree occurring commonly on
# 102 Setaria megaphylla (Steud.) Th. Dur. & roadsides; leaves opposite; reddish bark sap.
Schinz (LGMOI94) Use: (A3) The shoots are pounded and fried in a
isani-lya-nganingani (ma-) pan then taken by mouth with bananas for
Observations: A grass; leaves broad (c. 5 x 60 dysentery; they are also taken raw when a necessi-
cm). ty occurs in forest; it is said that the reddish bark
Remarks: Although identified scientifically as sap recalls the blood.
the same species as the former, this plant is (A6) A bark-infusion slightly warmed under the
glabrous and given a different name. sun is given by enema for jaundice.
Use: (CO) The plant is used for thatching roofs. (C9) The wood is used for house-construction
(GO) A proverb: Ukanekane, anga isani-lya- and for charcoal.
nganingani. llyou are in doubt like isani-lya- (11) The fruits are eaten by birds.
nganingani." The leaves sway to the light wind
and it represents figuratively the unease of the # 106 Lebrunia bushace Staner (LGM0238)
mind in doubt. musebu (mi-)
(H3 13) The plant provides fodder for domestic Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves op-
animals such as goats and cattle, and for wild posite, lanceolate to elliptic, c. 3 x 10 cm,
ones such as cane-rats (sengI). caudate.
Name etymology: llIsani of doubt." ngani: Use: (AI) The seed oil is used for skin-eruptions
doubt. See the usage (GO). (upele).
(Cl) The seed oil (kabumbu) is rubbed on the
# 103 unidentified (LGM0211 ) body as a cosmetic.
iyangu; kitosha-alufu (Sw) (C9) The tree provides good planks called
Observations: A grass, often cultivated; leaves buchai.
narrow, fragrant.
22 H. TERASHIMA et al.
# 107 Pendadesma lebrunii Staner (LGM0057) an enema for abdominal pains (panga); the plant
'iyosose (bi-) is often cultivated in the fields.
Observations: A tall tree found in forest; more (GO) A proverb: Mulanga asaka senye, embe
than 20 m high; leaves opposite, lanceolate, ashunju uulanga; «A farmer who gives up a field
petioles c. 1.5 cm. with senye cannot cultivate a field with ashunju
Use: (C9) The wood is used for house- (#135)."
construction and firewood.
(11) The fruit is eaten by wild animals. # 112 Octomeron montanum Robyns
(LGM0289)
# 108 Symphonia globuiifera L. f. (LGM0161) senye-ya-mbala (ma-)
mulungu (mi-) Observations: A small herb found on roadsides;
Observations: A tall tree found in forest; leaves leaves opposite, elliptic to ovate, 1.5-2 x 5 cm,
opposite, elliptic c. 3.5 x 10 cm, tips apiculate, serrate; flowers in terminal spikes.
cuneate at base. Remarks: Related vernacular plant: senye,
Use: (A8) The bark-sap is applied to skin- (#111 Ocimum gatissimum).
eruptions (upele). Use: (AO) A decoction of the plant is used as an
(C8) The tree produces a sticky resin called enema for some diseases.
walika at the foot of the trunk, which is used as a (GO) A proverb: see #111.
paste to repair broken vessels.
(C9) The wood is used for planks. # 113 Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd
(LGM0213)
mushubya (mi-)
Iridaceae
Observations: A shrub found on roadsides and
in waste clearings; leaves cordate, serrate, 5 x 6
# 109 Gladiolus dalenii Van Geel (LGM0214) cm, petioles 2 cm long, quite small flowers in
'abeshi (tu-) panicles.
Observations: An erect herb occurring in waste Use: (A3) A hot infusion of the leaves,
clearings, sometimes cultivated. sometimes with a bit of salt added, is taken for
Use: (AI) The powder of the dried fruits, which coughs; it is said that the heat weakens the
grow near the ground, is taken by mouth as an strength of the medicine.
emetic when one has eaten something bad; if (A3) A leaf-paste with a bit of salt added is ap-
available, salt and local pepper, bunjululu, plied to the throat for tonsillitis.
(#178 Piper guineense) are taken with it. (A3) Leaf-sap is applied to the vagina for itching
(AI) Three fruits are decocted in six cups of due to a disease called kidonda-tumbo in
water until there remain only three cups then it is Swahili, maybe a kind of endometritis.
used as an enema for pains in the lower back. (A3) Leaf-sap is given to chickens by mouth for
a disease called fotola, which causes them to
move slowly, fall asleep intermittently, and to
Labiatae
lose their appetites, eventually leading to death.
# 117 Cassia kirkii Oliv. var. guineensis # 121 Milletia dura Dunn. (LGM0089)
Bisteyaert (LGMO 100) 'asunguti (tu-)
'aehangaehanga (tu-); 'akyangakyanga (tu-) Observations: A tree found in primary as well as
Observations: A shrub to short tree, occurring secondary forest; a seed pod, c. 12 cm long.
on roadsides. Use: (C9) The tree is used for hoe and axe-
Use: (A3) The leaves are taken raw by mouth for handles.
snake-bites.
(A3) A decoction of the leaves and other # 122 Mimosa pudiea L. (LGM0250)
medicinal plants is given as an enema for babies kopa; kufa(Sw); sensitive plant (E)
who suffer from lukunga, a disease that causes Observations: A small herb occurring in waste
diarrhea and much crying. clearings and on roadsides; leaves sensitive, col-
lapsing when touched; stems sparsely armed
# 118 Desmodium adseendens (Sw) DC. with prickles, c. 5 mm long, tomentose.
(LGM0062) Use: (D3) It is said that a person can get much
pumbya respect from others if hel she eats it with other
Observations: A climbing herb occurring on medicinal plants.
roadsides and in waste clearings.
Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is given as an enema # 123 Monopetalanthus mierophyllus Harms
for epilepsy (lungu). (LGM0229)
(A7) The stem is used to tighten up the limb in- luse'ele
jured by a snake for stopping the poison going Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves pin-
up to the heart. nate, c. 2.5 x 10 cm; leaflets 3 x 15 mm.
Use: (C9) The stem is used for house-
# 119 Erythrina abyssiniea Lam. ex DC. construction, firewood and axe-handles.
(LGMOI04)
'i'oa (bi-) # 124 Newtonia sp. (LGMOI36)
Observations: A small to medium-sized tree 'asolokoshi (tu-)
24 H. TERASHIMA et al.
Use: (C3) The leaves are used for wrapping Name etymology: ttBush tangani'a." mbala:
things. bush or forest.
(C6) The bark of the thin stems is split into nar-
row bands, with which various things are woven # 145 Dissotis hensii Cogn. (LGM0297)
such as mats used on the bed (bikanga) , fish tangani'a-ya-ilolo; nono (fruit)
traps (bigonl), rat traps and so on. Observations: An erect herb occurring on road-
sides; leaves opposite, elliptic-Ianceolate, c. 2.5
# 142 Megaphrynium macrostachyum (Benth.) x 6 cm, petioles c. 1 cm, tomentose; flowers on
Milne-Redh. (LGM0255) the end of the stems.
igungu (ma-); muki (mi-) (shoot) Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion is given as an enema
Observations: A herb found on forest floor; a for abdominal pains.
large elliptic leaf, 20 x 40 cm, at the top of the (B1) People eat the ripe fruits.
stem. Name etymology: t'Tangani'a of clearings." il-
Use: (B3) The shoots are eaten as a vegetable. 010: a field after harvest.
(C3) The leaves are used for wrapping various (GO) A proverb: See #147.
things; they are also used for the roofs of
houses. # 146 Dissotis irvingiana Hook. (LGMOI38)
(C4) The stalks are used for making mats for mututu (mi-)
sleeping (kikanga). Observations: A small tree found on roadsides
as well as in forest; tomentose.
Use: (A6) A bark-infusion is used as an enema
Marattiaceae
for diarrhea due to a disease called lubesha or
lukunga; the bark of lungusu (#73 Alchornea
# 143 Marattia fraxinea J. Smith (LGM0056, cordifolia) is infused together.
LGMOI43)
itonangwa (ma-) # 147 Tristemma incompletum R. Br.
Observations: A large fern, occurring abundant- (LGM0037)
lyon roadsides. tangani'a; nono (fruit)
Use: (A5) A root-infusion is used as an enema Observations: A herb occurring commonly on
for pregnant women near delivery and for those roadsides and in waste clearings; leaves op-
who suffer from abdominal troubles called posite, cordate, tomentose; small red fruits,
panga. sweet and edible.
(C9 D9) When boys return to the village from Remarks: Most common tangani'a. Sometimes
the forest for the first time after the initiation this plant is called tangani'a-ya-mbuka, Le.
ceremony, only the twins and the chief's sons t(village tangani'a."
can carry a stick made of this plant in the hand; Use: (A3 D3) The plant enters into a magical
other children use the sticks of matungulu treatment for easy delivery; when a woman gets
(#228 Aframomum laurentii); the stick is pregnant, a medicine (isaba) is prepared with the
generally called kipondo. leaves and other plants and given to her by
(11) A kind of antelope called pombi eats the enema, and all villagers gather and drink it pray-
leaves. ing for her easy delivery.
(Bl) The ripe fruits are eaten raw by children.
(GO) A proverb: Tangani'a wa mimeumbwe,
Melastomataceae
muulu wa baluchi; ttLake Tanganika, it is larger
than any other rivers."
# 144 Dissotis brazzae Cogn. (LGM0296)
tangani'a-ya-mbala # 148 Tristemma sp. (LGM0303)
Observations: A herb occurring in open places; tangani'a-ya-ekuba
leaves opposite, ovate-Ianceolate, c. 3 x 7 cm, Observations: A herb found in open places;
petioles c. 5 cm; fruits 0.5-1 cm in diam., in ter- leaves opposite, ovate-elliptic, c. 6.5 x 9 cm,
minal panicles. tomentose.
Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion is used as an enema for Use: (B1 A3 D3) It is said that this plant is used
abdominal pains; or given to sterile women by in almost the same way as the previous one
enema for promoting conception. (#147 T. incompletum). See above.
(GO) A proverb: See #147. Name etymology: (, Tangani'a of clearings."
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 27
ekuba: a field which is left unplanted for three to Observations: A woody climber found growing
six months after the harvest. on an oil palm tree.
(00) A proverb: See #147. Use: (C6) The bast was used to make bark-cloth
(shushuya or mulomba).
# 149 unidentified (LOMOI59) (C8) The latex is used for bird-lime (bulembo).
tangani'a-ya-mbala (11) The fruits are eaten by birds.
Observations: A herb occurring on forest floor. (00) A proverb: Ilondolondo tanyate, mishinga
Remarks: The specimen has been lost. yake ya nyate; ~~Ilondolondo does not move, but
Use: (A3) Pregnant women drink a leaf- the roots go around."
decoction for easy delivery.
Name etymology: «Forest tangani'a." mbala: # 154 Ficus cf. capensis Thunb. (LOMOI77)
forest. 'isembe (bi-)
(00) A proverb: See #147. Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves op-
posite, ovate, c. 6 x 15 cm, serrate; yielding a
white latex.
Meliaceae
Use: (A8) The latex is added to a soup called
kindakinda, made from kokoliko (the seeds of a
# 150 Lovoa sp. (LOM0224) marrow) or kalanga (groundnuts), for pro-
mutaa (mi-); itongwa (ma-) moting a rich milk flow of mothers.
Observations: A tall tree found in forest; leaves (00) A proverb: Isusu iyalemaninwa, isembe
lanceolate, c. 3.5 x 11 cm. iyamuno ta iynge; ~~ A child who was desired
Remarks: This may be L. brownii Sprague or L. strongly by the family does not help the family."
trichilioides Harms.
Use: (C9) The wood is used for planks and # 155 Ficus exasperata Vahl (LOMOI08)
bridges, house-construction, firewood, and so lu'enga
on. Observations: A tall tree found in forest as well
as waste clearings; leaves alternate, coarse sur-
# 151 Trichilia welwitschii DC. (LOMOI18, faces, trilobate.
LOMOI68) Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is taken for kidney
'iyundi (bi-) complaints.
Observations: A tall tree found in forest; leaves (C3) The leaf-surface is very rough and used just
pinnate; leaflets, ovate-lanceolate, c. 5 x 20 cm. like sandpaper.
Use: (A6) A bark-decoction is used as an enema (C9) The wood is made into a vessel called
for hemorrhoids and abdominal complaints mukenge, which is used for the fermentation of
(panga). alcohol drinks.
(C9) The wood is used for house-construction.
# 156 Ficus vogelii (Miq.) Miq. (LOMOI85)
itota (ma-)
Menispermaceae
Observations: A medium-sized tree found in
forest; large thick leaves, c. 11 x 22 cm, entire,
# 152 Cissampelos macrosepala Diels. obovate, tips round, petioles long, c. 10 cm;
(LOM0295) yielding a white latex.
obya-ya-mbala (ba+) Use: (C8) The latex is used for bird-lime bule-
Observations: A woody or herbaceous climber, mbo, or it was sold to Europeans in the past as a
sometimes occurring on roadsides; leaves alter- material to make rubber.
nate, peltate, c. 11-13 x 13-15 cm, tips acute, (H 1 II) The fruits are eaten by monkeys and peo-
petioles 5-8 cm. ple set traps nearby.
Use: (A3) A cold leaf-infusion is taken for ab-
dominal pains. # 157 Ficus sp. (LGMOI69)
'ishembe (bi-)
Observations: A liane occurring on roadsides;
Moraceae
leaves alternate, ovate, c. 8 x 23 cm, tips acute.
Use: (A4 A8) Stem-sap is given to babies by
# 153 Ficus capensis Thunb. (LGM0047) draught for intestinal worms.
'ilondolondo (bi-); mugumo (mi-) (A8) The latex is taken by mouth for promoting
28 H. TERASHIMA et al.
posite, elliptic-Ianceolate, 3 x 14 cm; flowers at cannabinus) is taken in the morning and even-
the end of the stems in compound racemes; fruit ing.
0.5 cm in diam. (A3) For treating lukunga or lubesha, a disease
Use: (C9) The tree is used for axe-handles and of children that makes the head very soft, the
spear-handles. ash of leaves, mixed with other medicinal plants,
is applied to the top of the head and to the upper
# 166 Ouratea sp. (LGM0256) palate.
mubelekese-wa-muashi (mi-)
Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves alter- # 170 Oxalis corniculata L. (LGM0087)
nate, lanceolate, c. 2.5 x 14 cm; flowers in ax- 'ateku (tu-); yellow weed sorrel, creeping oxalis
illary racemes, fruits c. 5 mm in diam. (E)
Remarks: This plant resembles mubelekese Observations: A short prostrate herb, commonly
(#165 Ouratea arnoldiana), but a bit different. occurring around villages.
Use: (C9) The wood is used for spear-handles, Use: (AO) The plant is used for toothache; the
axe-handles and pestles. ash of the plant is mixed with powdered excre-
Name etymology: ffFemale mubelekese." ment of cattle, then applied to the carious
muashi: female. cavities of teeth (kabutetele).
(C3) The mashed plant is used to cleanse copper
products.
o leandraceae
Palmae
# 167 Nephrolepis bisserrata (Sw.) Schott.
(LGM0004)
'ilelelele (bi-) # 171 Calamus deerratus Mann & Wend!.
Observations: A fern, found locally common on (LGM0267)
roadsides and in waste clearings. 'itinga (bi-); lububi
Use: (BO) The plant was cooked and eaten when Observations: A scrambling palm found in
people felt hunger in the forest. forest; long spines, 1-5 cm, on the midribs and
(DO) The plant is put in dirty water so as to make the stems.
it clean; children who come to a well to fetch Use: (B4) The soft terminals of the stems are
water sing a song of this plant. eaten raw or roasted as a vegetable.
(C7) The stem is used for making baskets
(kitunga), chairs, beds, traps and so on.
Orchidae
# 172 Eremospatha wendian dian a Dammer ex
# 168 unidentified (LGMO171) Becc. (LGMOI75)
'inamuu (bi-) lububi
Observations: A small herb, often found grow- Observations: A palm liane found in forest;
ing on other trees; leaves solitary, c. 7 x 30 cm, many spines on the stems and leaves.
petioles c. 15 cm long. Use: (C7) A lot of things are made of the stem;
Use: (10) No use recorded. deep baskets (kitunga) that women carryon their
backs, shallow ones (fungo), carrying baskets for
men (musange or ndaa), beds and chairs; also
Oxalidaceae
used as a binding material for house-
construction.
# 169 Biophytum helenae Buscal. & Muschler (GO) A proverb: Mukulu lububi, nte na mulimo
(LGM0071) wasigola mugo; ftThe old people are lububi, they
'i!umbi (bi-); 'amalumbi (tu-) can be help for anything."
Observations: A small erect herb found on road-
sides and in open places; 20-30 cm high, leaves # 173 Raphia sp. (LGM0201)
pinnate, whorled. ibondo (ma-); raffia palm (E)
Use: (A3) The plant is used for gastro-intestinal Observations: A palm found in forest; some are
complaints as follows: 1) leaves are eaten raw; 2) cultivated in the village.
raw leaves are eaten with roasted bananas; 3) a Use: (B8) The sap naturally turns into an
decoction of the plant and ngoi (#134 Hibiscus alcoholic drink which is called by the same name
30 H. TERASHIMA et al.
# 174 Sclerosperma mannii Wendl. (LGMOI74) # 178 Piper guineense Schum. ex Thonn.
lubishi (m-); mbya; kimomo (bi-) (shoot); (LGM0054)
bukucha (soft lower stem); nlutukulu (mi-) bujululu; West African black pepper, guinea pep-
(fruit) per (E); pilipili manga (Sw)
Observations: A low palm with no trunk, found Observations: A soft shrubby climber occurring
in forest; leaves more than 2 m high. in forest; small round fruits, c. 0.5cm in diam.,
Use: (Bl B3 B4) The fruit, the shoot, and the on spikes.
soft part at the lower stem are eaten raw as Use: (A7) A stem-decoction is used as an enema
vegetables. for abdominal complaints called panga.
(CO) The plant is used for hut-construction, as a (F 1) The spicy seeds are used as a condiment.
material for covering the roofs, walls, and so on.
(HO 10) Larvae calledposo live in the dead stems, # 179 Piper umbel/atum L. (LGM0021)
which are gathered as food; poso also live in the ibilabondo (ma-)
dead stem of oil palms and raffia palms. Observations: A tall soft shrub occurring on
(H 1 11) The fruit is eaten by giant rats, so is used roadsides and in waste clearings; large cordate
as bait for trapping them. leaves; spikes axillary umbels of three to six.
Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion is given as an enema
for abdominal disorders.
Passifloraceae
(A4) The ash of the stems is rubbed into scarifica-
tions on various joints for the treatment of a
# 175 Adenia sp. (LGMOI45) children's disease called ndeke.
'amatonde (tu-)
Observations: A woody climbing shrub with ten-
Plantaginaceae
drils, cordate leaves.
Use: (A8) A lot of sap is taken from the thick
stem, which is used as an enema for pains in the # 180 Plantago palmata Hook.f. (LGMOI07)
lower abdomen. mbatama
Observations: A herb found on roadsides and in
waste clearings; c. 30 cm high, flowers in a spike.
Phytolaccaceae
Use: (A3) The leaves are pounded to a paste, mix-
ed with a bit of oil, and rubbed over the body for
# 176 Phytolacca dodecandra L'Herit. improving poor health.
(LGMOI91) (A3) A leaf-paste is also applied to the vagina for
luo promoting conception.
Observations: A shrub found in waste clearings;
leaves alternate, broadly elliptic, c. 9 x 13 cm,
Polygonaceae
tips mucronate.
Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction is given as an enema
for intestinal complaints. # 182 Polygonum mildbraedii (Dam.) J. J.
(A3) The young leaves mixed with the leaves of Symons (LGMOI92)
ishubu (#80 Neoboutonia macrocalyx) and ngandu
kibishe (uncollected) are heated over a fire and Observations: An erect herb, occurring on road-
taken by mouth as a purgative for cleaning sides; c. 50 cm high, leaves alternate, lanceolate,
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 31
Primulaceae
# 189 Rubus pinnatus Willd. var. afrotropicus
Eng!. (LGMOI21)
# 186 Lysimachia ruhmeriana Vatke luute
(LGMOI97) Observations: A shrub found in forest as well as
muyobola (mi-) (Mashi name, Lega vernacular in open places; leaves opposite, many prickles on
unrecorded) the stems.
Observations: A herb found on roadsides; Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion is given to infants for
flowers in a spike c. 15-20 cm long. intestinal worms which are called mishigi or
Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion, warmed a bit, is given bishinlU.
to children for coughs. (Bl) The berries are eaten as food by humans.
(A3) Pregnant women take a leaf-decoction for
easy delivery.
Rubiaceae
Pteridaceae
# 190 Bertiera subsessilis Hiern (LGMOI66)
'ashombo-mwitu (tu-)
# 187 Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn Observations: A small tree found in forest as
(LGMOOOl) well as in clearings; leaves opposite, narrowly
'ishilu (bi-); bracken (E) elliptic-Ianceolate, c. 4.5 x 15 cm; small fruits c.
32 H. TERASHIMA et al.
0.5-1 cm in diam., in spikes. Use: (C9) The wood is used for house-
Use: (C9) The wood is used for house- construction and firewood.
construction. (11) The fruits are eaten by birds.
(11) The fruits are eaten by birds.
Name etymology: ~(Small mushombo of the # 195 unidentified (LGM0154)
forest." mushombo: #105 Harungana 'akulu (tu-)
madagascariensis, 'a: a diminutive, mwitu: Observations: A small tree in forest; leaves
forest. Ianceolate and oblong, apiculate, cuneate,
petioles very short, c. 7 x 22 cm.
# 191 Canthium sp. (LGM0140) Use: (AI) Kernel oil is applied to the skin-
ibila (ma-); mutandakyoya (mi-) eruptions (pele or upele).
Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves op- (A6) A bark-decoction is taken for stomach com-
posite, fruits c. 0.5 cm in diam., small flowers at plaints, and for severe diarrhea with consequent
the axils. dehydration.
Use: (A6) A bark-infusion is used for abdominal (C3) The leaves are used for thatching roofs.
pains; the bark pieces are put into water, left (11) The fruits are eaten by wild animals such as
under the sun for a while, then given as an giant rats.
enema.
(C9) The wood is used for house-construction. # 196 unidentified (LGMOI67)
(HO 10) Small ants called bishise often colonize ibuka (ma-)
the tree; they are used as bait for trapping fish. Observations: A small tree in forest; leaves op-
(Hill) The fruits are eaten by birds; people set posite, elliptic-Ianceolate, tips acuminate, c. 4 x
traps on the tree. 10 cm.
(GO) A proverb: Mutandakyoya, taukam- Use: (C9) The wood is used for spear-shafts
bakilwa mu 'ishise; ~(Mutandakyoya, it exists (ishumu), and for house-construction; thin
with 'ishise." stems are used for game-traps.
Use: (A3) A leaf-decoction, mixed with other (GO) A proverb: Mubembi uli lukono, tashike
medicinal plants, is used as an enema for epilep- mwabo mu shikalue; u A man of leprosy destroys
sy (fungu). others, he does not like to stay home."
(C9) The wood is used for hut-construction. Name etymology: The vernacular comes from
mubembi-muli-lukono meaning a patient of
U
children as an enema for intestinal worms. (Solanum sp.), which is commonly cultivated as
(B 1) The fruits called by the same name are eaten a vegetable.
by humans.
# 211Solanum nigrum L. (LGM0207)
# 208 Solanum aculeastrum Dunal (LGM0031) mulunda (mi-)
lutobotobo; ishibanjila (ma-) Observations: A herb found on roadsides and in
Observations: A small tree; yellow round fruit, open places; leaves alternate, ovate-elliptic, tips
many prickles on the stems and leaves. apiculate, c. 2 x 6 cm, small black fruits, 2-3
Use: (AI) The ash of the seeds with a bit of salt mm in diam., in umbels between nodes of the
added is licked for coughs. stems.
(AI) Three fruits are infused and administered Use: (B3) The leaves are cooked and eaten as a
by enema as a purgative for cleaning bowels; the vegetable.
effect is so strong that only one cup is enough,
and not usable for children; sometimes i1elama
Tiliaceae
(#46 Gynura ruwenzoriensis) is used together to
decrease the strength.
(CO) The plant is planted around fields to pre- # 212 Grewia mildbraedii Burret (LGM0228)
vent goats or thieves from entering them with its mushingo (mi-)
sharp thorns. Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves alter-
(D 1) The fruit is buried at a door step to keep nate, ovate-Ianceolate c. 4 x 15 cm, tips
evils off the house. caudate.
Name etymology: The vernacular comes from Use: (Bl 11) The fruits are eaten by humans and
ishiba-njila meaning tt a plant that close a path." other animals.
ku-shiba: to close, njila: a road or path. See the (C6) The bark which easily comes off the trunk is
usage (CO). used for making a shelter for sleeping in the
forest.
# 209 Solanum dasyphyllum Schum. & Thonn. (C9) The wood is used to make a fire building
(LGM0252) stick (bukya); the wood is also used for a torch;
'amboshanabubu (tu-) it burns very well even raw.
Observations: A herb found on roadsides; many
spines on the stems and leaves; tomentose; leaves # 213 Triumfetta cordijolia Guill. & Perr.
c. 5 x 7 cm, roughly dentate. (LGMOOI4)
Use: (AI) A fruit-infusion warmed by the sun is mu 'unga (mi-)
used as an enema for abdominal troubles Observations: A small tree or shrub occurring
(panga). commonly on roadsides; dense hairs on large
(A3) The plant is used for pains in the side ab- soft leaves.
domen, around the place of the spleen (kiinga or Use: (A2) A flower-infusion is administered by
kambalimbalz); the ash of the leaves is rubbed on enema as a purgative for cleaning bowels.
scarifications made at the aching places. (A2)The flower is used to stop nausea; it is crash-
Name etymology: ttGhost's ambo." nabubu: a ed and put into water, then taken by draught.
ghost, ambo: a kind of edible vegetable. The (A2) A decoction of the dried flowers is given to
plant bears fruits which look like ambo, but not children who suffer from a disease called ndeke.
edible. (C7) The stem provides a binding material for
house-construction.
# 210 Solanum incanum L. (LGM0223) (C9) The wood is used for house-construction,
'asongo-'a-bululu (tu-) firewood, and sticks with which a fire is built.
Observations: A shrub found on roadsides,
sometimes cultivated; leaves tomentose, ovate- # 214 unidentified (LGMOI60)
lanceolate, c. 5 x 12 cm. ishukue (ma-)
Use: (AI) The fruit is taken by mouth for stopp- Observations: A tall tree found in forest; leaves
ing nausea. opposite, undersurfaces whitish with brown
(F 1) The fruit is added to the dish of ndelama ( # nerves, elliptic, c. 5 x 10 cm, leaf-tip acuminate.
22 Basella alba) as a seasoning. Use: (A6) A bark-infusion is used as an enema
Name etymology: ttBitter 'asongo." bululu: bit- for intestinal worms. It is also given by draught
terness. Another kind is called 'asongo- 'a-ambo to dogs for intestinal worms.
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 35
(C9) The wood provides good planks called Name etymology: Nawi-shomea; "a tree which
licheche, and is used for making a lot of things stands firmly." ku-shomea: to stand, nawi: a
like mortars, drums, slit-gongs, beer fermenting thing which has (something). Nawi-bingila; ~~a
vessels (mukenge) and so on. tree which has laws." bingila: to give laws to
oneself.
Truneraceae
Umbelliferae
# 215 Stapfiella claoxyloides Gilg (LGM0165)
muondobesha (mi-) # 218 Hydrocotyle bonariensis Lam.
Observations: A herb occurring on forest floor (LGM0076)
as well as in open places; leaves alternate, ovate- mwenemubukindu (be-)
lanceolate, c. 6 x 16 cm, serrate. Observations: A short herb, c. 20-30 cm high,
Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion is used as an enema or found on roadsides; a solitary round leaf.
a wash for skin-eruptions (upele); sometimes the Use: (A3) Sap of the leaves is used as eye-drops
leaves are roasted and taken with bananas. for sore eyes.
(A3) The leaves with other medicinal plants are (A3) The leaves are pounded to a paste which is
used in vapor-baths to cure a children's disease applied to fractures. The leaf-paste is also ap-
called ndeke; the decoction is administered by plied to swellings and boils; when the boils are
enema after bathing in it. large they will burst quickly.
Name etymology: "The owner of an abandoned
village." bukindu: an abandoned village. This
Ulmaceae
plant grows much in abandoned villages.
the parade. See #143. Use: (Bl) The fruits, called by the same name,
(C3) The leaf is used for wrapping things. are eaten by human beings, particularly by
hunters in the forest.
# 229 Costus dewevrei De Willd. & Th. Dur. (C7) The stems are used for making the frames
(LGM0028) of large baskets (kitunga).
ilenge-lya-bakabo (ma-) Name etymology: 'Alya-babinga; cChunters'
Observations: A tall robust herb, occurring com- food." 'alya: food, babinga: hunters.
monly on roadsides as well as in forest; more
than 2-3 m high. # 234 unidentified (LGM0083)
Use: (A4) The plant is used for curing abdominal 'ama'ingi (tu-)
complaints called panga; the liquid extracted Observations: A small tree found in forest and
from pounded stems is taken by draught, or used waste clearings; leaves opposite.
as an enema. Use: (A3) The plant is used for abdominal com-
(B8) The stem contains sweet sap and children en- plaints; in case of children a leaf-decoction is
joy sucking it just like sugar cane. given as an enema and in case of adults the decoc-
Name etymology: ~~Ancestor's sugar cane." tion, or raw leaves, are taken orally.
ilenge: sugar cane, bakabo: ancestors.
# 235 unidentified (LGM0305)
'amatonde (tu-)
Unidentified plants
Observations: A climbing herb or shrub found
on roadsides; tendrils; leaves alternate, round c.
# 230 unidentified (LGM0269) 1.5-3 cm.
'abungushimya (tu-) Use: (10) No usage recorded.
Observations: A woody climber found in forest;
leaves alternate, compound, three leaflets in # 236 unidentified (LGMOI62)
each, petioles 4-10 cm; leaflets ovate-elliptic, c. 5 'anianjoku (tu-)
x 12 cm. Observations: A tall tree found in forest; leaves
Use: (C9) The tree provides firewood. alternate, entire, oblong-Ianceolate, c. 6 x 16
Name etymology: 'A-bungu-shimya; cC a village cm, apiculate, petioles c. 2 cm long.
inhabited only by one person." 'a: a diminutive, Use: (C9) The wood is used for planks, bridges
ku-bunga: to move, ku-shimya: to extinguish. and so on.
Those who have moved away put off the fire. Name etymology: cc A plant of elephants." ani: a
plant, njoku: an elephant or elephants.
# 231 unidentified (LGM0283)
'achinga (tu-) # 237 unidentified (LGMO188)
Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves alter- 'ase'ese'e (tu-)
nate, elliptic, c. 6 x 13 cm, tips acuminate, Observations: A tree found in forest; compound
petioles c. 1 cm long. leaves, alternate, three leaflets, lanceolate to ellip-
Use: (C9) The wood is used for house- tic, c. 5 x 15 cm, tips apiculate.
construction. Use: (C9) The wood is used for house-
(II) The fruits are eaten by birds. construction and firewood.
(H3 13) The leaves are eaten by caterpillars called
# 232 unidentified (LGM0231) 'ase'ese'e which the Lega gather and eat.
'akata (tu-)
Observations: A woody climber found in forest; # 238 unidentified (LGM0249)
leaves opposite, oblong-Ianceolate, acuminate, 'asukule (tu-)
c. 3 x 15 cm. Observations: A shrub or short tree found in
Use: (Bill) The fruits, called by the same name, forest as well as on roadsides; leaves alternate,
are eaten by man and monkeys. lanceolate, c. 1.5-2 x 5-7 cm, a few small fruits
at axils.
# 233 unidentified (LGM0258) Use: (A3) The leaves are cooked with cassava
'alyababinga (tu-) flour and the flour called bulo or uleji, that is red-
Observations: A woody climber found in forest; dish in color, then eaten with kokoliko seeds
leaves opposite, elliptic to ovate, c. 6 x 16 cm, when a woman has too much menstrual bleeding
petioles 2-3 cm long, short hairs on the stems. bulumbu.
38 H. TERASHIMA et al.
(C3) The plant is used as a red dye; cloths are put # 243 unidentified (LGMOI76)
in a leaf-infusion. benjebenje
Name etymology: ttA plant that makes a good Observations: A climbing herb found in forest;
color." ku-suka: to make a good color. tendrils; leaves lanceolate.
Use: (A3) The pounded leaves are added to local
# 239 unidentified (LGM0288) beer such as kasikisi (a beer made of bananas),
'ati-'a-mambwe (tu-) ngazi (palm-wine of oil-palm) and musululu and
Observations: A short tree found on roadsides as taken for treating male impotence.
well as in forest; leaves lanceolate, c. 4 x 17 cm,
tips acuminate, petioles 1-2 cm; fruits 5 mm in # 244 unidentified (LGM0200)
diam, in racemes. bomba-bwa-ngoi
Use: (CO) The tree is used for hedges because it Observations: A climbing herb found in forest;
roots easily. tendrils; leaves alternate, compound, 4-5
(C9) The wood is used for house-construction, leaflets; leaflets lanceolate to elliptic, c. 2-3 x 6-
especially for toilets. 8 cm.
Name etymology: ttWood of the toilet." ati: a Use: (A3 A5) The root and the leaves are pound-
tree, mambwe: a toilet. ed and put in water which is taken for diarrhea.
(C3) The leaves mixed with some meat such as
# 240 unidentified (LGM0217) rat are fed to dogs for making their sense of
'atondo (tu-) smell sharper.
Observations: A small tree found in forest as (D5) The plant has a magical power for suc-
well as on roadsides; leaves opposite, oblong- ceeding in tough negotiations or debates; the
lanceolate, c. 4-5 x 15 cm; fruits c. 1 cm in root is chewed before the negotiation or debate.
diam. Name etymology: «The smell of leopards."
Use: (A6) A bark-decoction is used as an enema bomba: smell, ngoi: a leopard.
for malaria.
(A6) Bark-powder is put into mutobe drink # 245 unidentified (LGM0088)
(banana juice before fermentation into an bombwe
alcoholic drink) and taken for intestinal worms. Observations: A climbing herb found on road-
sides; leaves opposite.
# 241 unidentified (LGM0281) Remarks: Same vernacular plant: #48 Mikania
'aumbilabise (tu-) cordata.
Observations: A woody climber found in forest; Use: (A3) The knee-joints are rubbed over with
leaves compound, 25 x 35 cm; leaflets nine to the leaf for relieving pains; and the leaf is eaten
eleven, elliptic to oblong, c. 3.5 x 13 cm, raw for stomach and intestinal pains.
caudate, petioles 0.5 cm.
Use: (C7) The stem is used for making bise, a # 246 unidentified (LGM0264)
ring of 20 cm in diam., which is attached to both iboka-Iya-mulume (ma-)
ends of a rope for climbing up the oil palm tree. Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves op-
Name etymology: tt A plant for bending bise." posite, lanceolate to elliptic, c. 3.5 x 10 cm, tips
ku-umba: to bend. See the usage. acuminate.
Remarks: Related plant: iboka-Iya-muashi (un-
# 242 unidentified (LGMOI29) collected). It is said that mulume (male) is
bembe black, while muashi (female) is white.
Observations: A herb found on roadsides. Use: (A3) The vapor of leaf-decoction is applied
Use: (A3 A4) An infusion of the leaves and to sore eyes; or the liquid is given as a wash to
stems is given to children by enema for intestinal the eyes.
worms. (C9) The wood is used for house-construction,
(A3) For a person who has lost consciousness, spear-handles (shatl), pestles (mishi) and so on.
leaf-sap is given orally; or the leaves are rubbed Name etymology: ttMale iboka." mulume:
and sniffed up the nose of the patient, emitting a male. See Remarks.
strong smell which helps the person to regain con-
sciouness. # 247 unidentified (LGM0209)
ilonde (ma-); lukoshi; kilombilo (bi-) (fruit)
Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves com-
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 39
pound, c. 15 x 20 cm, 6-9 leaflets, imparipin- thrown into a house, those who live in the house
nate, alternate; leaflets ovate-Ianceolate c. 2.5 x would begin to quarrel.
10 cm, tips apiculate.
Use: (AI Bl II) The fruit is eaten as food and # 252 unidentified (LGM0068)
also taken for l~increasing blood"; the fruit has 'ienda (bi-)
bloody color; the fruits are eaten by monkeys. Observations: A trailing herb; flowers yellow, c.
(C9) The wood is used for house-construction 1 cm across.
and firewood. Use: (AI) The plant is used for breast pains; the
seeds are chewed and spitted out several times on
# 248 unidentified (LGMO179) the breasts.
isasa-lya-atengetenge (ma-) (A3) Mashed leaves are taken for stomach-aches
Observations: A tree found in forest; many or put in a tooth cavity for relieving toothache.
spines on the stem; leaves opposite, ovate-
lanceolate, 3.5 x 8 cm, tips apiculate, petioles 3 # 253 unidentified (LGMOI51)
cm. 'ikangelamili (bi-)
Use: (C9) The wood is used for house- Observations: A tree found in forest; very large
construction and firewood. leaves, c. 12 x 35 cm.
(HI II) The fruits are eaten by birds, and so is Use: (C3) The leaves are good for wrapping
used as bait in traps. crabs (mill) as the vernacular name suggests.
(C9) The wood is used for house-construction.
# 249 unidentified (LGM0204) Name etymology: « A plant for wrapping crabs. "
isasa-lya-muashi (ma-) ku-kanga: to wrap, mili: crabs.
Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves alter-
nate, ovate, c. 8 x 11 cm, tips apiculate, serrate, # 254 unidentified (LGM0254)
petioles 2-6 cm long. 'ikindama (bi-)
Use: Same usage as isasa-lya-atengetenge ( #248 Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves ellip-
unidentified). tic to lanceolate, c. 3.5 x 9 cm, petioles 2-3 cm
Name etymology: tlFemale isasa." muashi: long, serrate.
female. Also called isasa-lya-iashi; iashi is an ad- Use: (C9) The wood is used for house-
jective meaning female. construction, firewood, and provides good char-
coal.
# 250 unidentified (LGM0206)
isasa-lya-mulume (ma-); isasa-lya-ashibondo # 255 unidentified (LGM0298)
(ma-) 'ilelemba (bi-)
Observations: A medium-sized tree found in Observations: A shrub or woody climber found
forest; leaves alternate or spirally arranged, in forest; leaves alternate, elliptic to lanceolate,
oblong-ovate, c. 6 x 17 cm, tips apiculate, c. 3.5 x 10 cm, tips acute, round at base,
petioles 5-7 cm. petioles very short, less than 5 mm.
Remarks: There are three types of isasa. It is Use: (C7) The stem is long and durable, so is
said that llmale" isasa has light-colored bark, used for making the round roof of a round-
while tlfemale" isasa is dark, and katengetenge shaped house ('asonge).
has prickles; however, all have the same uses.
Use: Same usage as isasa-lya-muashi (#249 # 256 unidentified (LGM0055)
unidentified) and isasa-lya-atengetenge (#248 'ilendea (bi-)
unidentified). Observations: A tree found in forest; seeds large
Name etymology: llMale isasa." mulume: male. and round, about 3 cm in diam.; leaves alter-
nate.
# 251 unidentified (LGM0248) Use: (AI) The seeds are said to enhance male sex-
isesa (ma-) ual strength; they are scraped with a knife then
Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves op- mixed with other food to eat.
posite, elliptic, tips apiculate, cuneate at base, (C9) The wood provides good planks, called
slightly serrate, c. 6 x 13 cm; flowers in spikes kiba.
from axils. Name etymology: llA thing which tastes very slip-
Use: (C9) Combs are made of the wood. pery." ku-lenda: to make slippery.
(DO) It is believed that if a piece of the tree is
40 H. TERASHIMA et al.
Use: (A3 D3) The plant is said to provide a the water level of fish breeding ponds.
medicine for mulonge, a disease caused by a Name etymology: M-ua-njoka; n a tree to slip
sorcerer who uses the bamboo plant (mulonge) down the snakes." ku-ua: to slip down, njoka: a
to get a poison for his sorcery; a cold leaf- snake.
infusion is rubbed on the boils of mulonge or
over the scarifications made around them. # 283 unidentified (LGM0093)
sangani
# 278 unidentified (LGMOI83) Observations: An erect herb found on roadsides.
mushiki-wa-ele (mi-); ele or ma'u (fruit) Use: (A3) The leaves are pounded and applied to
Observations: A woody climber, found on road- swellings.
sides; leaves lanceolate, tips caudate, c. 2.5 x 13 (A3) A leaf-decoction is taken for stomach and
cm, flowers in a small cluster at the bifurcations liver complaints.
of the stems; yielding a white latex.
Remarks: Maybe Apocynaceae plant. # 284 unidentified (LGMOI37)
Use: (B 1 II) The fruits are eaten by man and teyamutima
monkeys. Observations: A climbing shrub found on road-
(C8) The white latex was exported in the past as side; leaves opposite.
a material for making rubber. Use: (A3) The leaves are smoked for treating ex-
Name etymology: "Ele's liana." ele: the fruit of cess heart pulsations; or a leaf-decoction is taken
this plant, mushiki: a climber. twice a day, in the morning and evening.
Name etymology: Teya-mutima; «a plant to cure
# 279 unidentified (LGM0251) the heart." ku-teya: to cure or to calm down,
mwenemaa (mi-) mutima: a heart.
Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves alter-
nate, ovate-elliptic, c. 4 x 11 cm, tips apiculate, # 285 unidentified (LGM0242)
petioles 0.5 cm. tongatonga
Use: (C9) The wood is used for poles and other Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves alter-
things emploied in house-construction. nate, oblong-ovate, c. 5.5 x 23 cm, petioles very
Name etymology: "A plant that grows in the short, tips caudate.
village called Maa." mwene: the owner of Use: (C4 C8) The sap affects human skin and
(something), Maa: a village name. leaves welts on it, so was used to draw patterns
like tattoos on the skin, and the leaf-stalk was
# 280 unidentified (LGM0084) used for prickling the skin.
obya Name etymology: "Tip." tonga: a tip or a point
Observations: A climbing herb found on road- (of something).
sides; leaves opposite; hard stems.
Use: (A7) An infusion of burnt stem is used as # 286 unidentified (LGM0277)
an enema for stomach and intestinal pains. tungu; ipinji (ma-)
Observations: A woody climber found in forest;
# 281 unidentified (LGMO122) leaves elliptic, c. 2.5 x 6 cm.
osongoshi Use: (C7) Traps for large game such as buffaloes
Observations: A herb found on roadsides. are made of the stems.
Use: (A3) A leaf-infusion is given as an enema to
infants for intestinal worms. # 287 unidentified (LGM0026)
umba
# 282 unidentified (LGM0293) Observations: A small tree found on roadsides
pona (ba+); muanjoka (mi-); polomosha (Sw) and in secondary growth; leaves alternate, ovate
Observations: A tree found in forest; leaves or elliptic, 1-2 x 2-3 cm, apiculate.
spirally arranged, cordate to elliptic, c. 8 x 10 Use: (A3) The leaves are eaten raw for relieving
cm, serrate, tomentose; the surface of the trunk abdominal pains.
is very slipperly. (C9) The plant is good as a building material and
Use: (C9) The wood is used for making firewood.
mutumbu-wa-mwamba, a device to control
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 43
unidentified species:
Acanthaceae 8
Apocynaceae 17
Begoniaceae 25
Bignoniaceae 28
Cucurbitaceae 63, 64, 65, 66
Cyatheaceae 67
Euphorbiaceae 86,87
Gramineae 103, 104
Melastomataceae 149
Orchidae 168
Rubiaceae 195, 196, 197, 198, 199,200
Tiliaceae 214
Urticaceae 222
Verbenaceae 225
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 47
245: bombwe
lower abdomen . 175: Adenia sp.
lower back . 109: Gladiolus dalenii
183: Rumex abyssinicus
side abdomen . 209: Solanum dasyphyllum
thorax . 97: Imperata cylindrica
119: Erythrina abyssinica
tooth . 9: Dracaena afromontana
100: Pennisetum purpureum
162: Staudtia gabonensis
170: Oxalis corniculata
252: 'ienda
purgative to clean bowels . 18: Polyscias fulva
80: Neoboutonia macrocalyx
83: Ricinus communis
176: Phytolacca dodecandra
187: Pteridium aquilinum
208: Solanum aculeastrum
213: Triumfetta cordifolia
266: lukongo
274: mugunguli
regain consciousness 11: Achyranthes aspera
242: bembe
remove evil spirit possession .. 66: museme-wa-muashi (Cucur-
bitaceae sp.)
271: lwashi
skin-affections on the head 34: Commelina benghalensis
216: Celtis dubia
skin
eruptions, scabies 52: Vernonia amygdalina
54: Vernonia conferta
106: Lebrunia bushace
108: Symphonia globulifera
195: 'akulu (Rubiaceae sp.)
215: Stapfiella claoxyloides
swellings . 37: Ageratum conyzoides
50: Senecio stuhlmannii
62: Physedra bequaertii
69: Dioscorea minutiflora
71: Dioscorea sp.
124: Newtonia sp.
134: Hibiscus cannabinus
187: Pteridium aquilinunl
277: lnusenle-wa-mulume
283:sangani
wounds . 27: Spathodea campanulata
37: Ageratum conyzoides
strain at the neck . 34: Comnlelina benghalensis
tonic for men . 67: 'isembekele (Cyatheaceae sp.)
243: benjebenje
256: 'ilendea
257: 'i'o'ote
tonsillitis . 42: Dichrocephala integrifolia
43: Erigeron floribunda
51: Spilanthes nlauritiana
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 55
B: Food, drink
fruit, seed . 15: Hunteria congolana
17: nawaoma (Apocynaceae sp.)
30: Canarium schweinfurthii
145: Dissotis hensii
147: Tristemma incompletum
148: Tristemma sp.
161: Myrianthus holstii
164: Psidium guajava
174: Sclerosperma mannii
189: Rubus pinnatus var. afrotropicus
207: Physalis angulata
212: Grewia mildbraedii
228: Aframomum laurentii
232: 'akata
233: 'alyababinga
247: ilonde
260: 'isengesenge
278: mushiki-wa-ele
leaves . 4: Dyschoriste perottetii
20: Impatiens masisiensis
21: Impatiens niamniamensis
22: Basella alba
32: Cleome sp.
59: Ericastrum arabicum
61: Melothria punctata
211: Solanum nigrum
221: Urera cameroonensis
222: mubululu (Urticaceae sp.)
shoot . 142: Megaphrynium macrostachyum
167: Nephrolepis bisserrata
174: Sclerosperma mannii
187: Pteridium aquilinum
stem . 72: Dioscorea sp.
171: Calamus deerratus
174: Sclerosperma mannii
root . 70: Dioscorea sp.
72: Dioscorea sp.
sap, juice . 157: Ficus sp.
173: Raphia sp.
229: Costus dewevrei
56 H. TERASHIMA et al.
c: Material culture
(The use of the plants for houce-construction and -firewood is not included in this list.)
basket 171: Calamus deerratus
172: Eremospatha wendlandiana
205: Smilax kraussiana
233: 'alyababinga
261: 'i'usu
binding material 172: Eremospatha wendian dian a
213: Triumfetta cordifolia
261: 'i'usu
bird-lime 14: Funtumia latifolia
17: nawaoma (Apocynaceae sp.)
78: Ficus natalensis
133: Phragmanthera rufescens
153: Ficus capensis
156: Ficus vogelii
158: Ficus sp.
brow-band for carrying basket 264: 'iyungangoshi
275: muole
charcoal 105: Harungana lnadagascariensis
254: 'ikindama
cleaning
copper products 40: Crassocephaluln bubense
81: Phyllanthus capillaris
170: Oxalis corniculata
wine . 187: Pteridium aquilinum
cloth . 153: Ficus capensis
173: Raphia sp.
comb . 36: Palisota hirsuta
251: isesa
cooking
beer making 40: Crassocephalum bubense
52: Vernonia amygdalina
beer making vessel . 155: Ficus exasperata
214: ishukue (Tiliaceae sp.)
mashing bananas for beer .. 96: Hyparrhenia sp.
101: Setaria megaphylla
mortar . 214: ishukue (Tiliaceae sp.)
pestle . 13: Uvariopsis sp.
166: Ouratea Spa
246: iboka-Iya-mulume
pipe to drink beer . 98: Olyra latifolia
porridge stirring stick . 28: 'analnu'use (Bignoniaceae sp.)
cosmetic . 103: iyangu (Gramineae sp.)
106: Lebrunia bushace
dye
black 73: A lchornea cordifolia
red 238: 'asukule
fire-building stick 212: Grewia nlildbraedii
213: Triumjetta cordifolia
fishing
net 221: Urera cameroonensis
rod 272: muapu
folding tobacco for smoking 104: munyaku (Gramineae sp.)
game lusolo 160: Ensete sp.
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 57
handle
axe 123: Monopetalanthus microphyllus
125: Newtonia sp.
165: Ouratea arnoldiana
166: Ouratea sp.
hoe . 121: Milletia dura
spear . 13: Uvariopsis sp.
165: Ouratea arnoldiana
166: Ouratea sp.
196: ibuka (Rubiaceae sp.)
246: iboka-lya-mulume
hedge . 76: Elaeophorbia drupifera
119: Erythrina abyssinica
158: Ficus sp.
206: Datura aureae
208: Solanum aculeastrum
239: 'ati- 'a-mambwe
house material: (fito) . 31: Dacryodes edulis
272: muapu
joinery . 89: Dicranopteris linearis
90: A rundinaria alpinia
171: Calamus deerratus
172: Eremospatha wendlandiana
264: 'iyungangoshi
173: Raphia sp.
mats for sleeping . 141: Marantochloa purpurea
142: Megaphrynium macrostachyum
205: Smilax kraussiana
medical tool
bloodletting . 125: Newtonia sp.
enema pipe . 98: Olyra latifolia
musical instrument
drum . 214: ishukue (Tiliaceae sp.)
horn . 131: Lobelia mildbraedii
likembe . 14: Funtumia latifolia
216: Celtis dubia
276: muowe
slit-gong . 214: ishukue (Tiliaceae sp.)
paste . 34: Commelina benghalensis
108: Symphonia globulifera
plank . 14: Funtumia latifolia
85: Uapaca zanzibarica
86: 'igulugulu (Euphorbiaceae sp.)
106: Lebrunia bushace
108: Symphonia globulifera
150: Lovoa sp.
201: Fagara inaequalis
202: Chrysophyllum sp.
214: 'ishukue (Tiliaceae sp.)
236: 'anianjoku
256: 'ilendea
259: 'isanda
260: 'isengesenge
ring for bise . 241: 'aumbilabise
58 H. TERASHIMA et al.
ritual object
iyango stick . 10: Dracaena nitens
kipondo stick . 143: Marratia fraxinea
228: Aframomum laurentii
roof-cover . 79: Macaranga congolensis
92: Coelachne africana
96: Hyparrhenia sp.
97: Imperata cylindrica
100: Pennisetun1 purpureum
101: Setaria megaphylla
102: Setaria megaphylla
142: Megaphrynium lnacrostachyum
160: Ensete sp.
174: Sclerosperma mannii
187: Pteridium aquilinun1
195: 'akulu (Rubiaceae sp.)
228: Aframomum laurentii
ropes . 173: Raphia sp.
rubber
ball (kabumbu) . 15: Hunteria congolana
17: nawaon1a (Apocynaceae sp.)
band (mupira) . 15: Hunteria congolana
for sale . 156: Ficus vogelii
278: mushiki-wa-ele
sandpaper . 155: Ficus exasperata
smell sense (dog) . 244: bomba-bwa-ngoi
smoking pipe . 47: Microglossa pyrifolia
soap-substitute . 40: Crassocephalum bubense
81: Phyllanthus capillaris
tattoo . 285: tongatonga
torch . 30: Canarium schweinfurthii
212: Grewia mildbraedii
trap:
for fish . 89: Dicranopteris linearis
138: Haumania liebrechtsiana
141: Marantochloa purpurea
261: 'i'usu
for game . 7: Thomandersia laurifolia
171: Calamus deerratus
196: ibuka (Rubiaceae sp.)
286: tungu
for rats 138: Haufnania liebrechtsiana
141: Marantochloa purpurea
string . 173: Raphia sp.
umbrella . 160: Ensete sp.
water level regulator . 18: Polyscias fulva
159: Musanga leo-errerae
282: pona
wrapping
food for cooking . 35: Palisota afnbigua
36: Palisota hirsuta
139: Marantochloa holostachya
140: Marantochloa leucantha
253: 'ikangelafnili
general things . 54: Vernonia conferta
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 59
E: Poison
fish poison 128: Tephrosia nana
197: 'isanda (Rubiaceae sp.)
259: 'isanda
F: Condiment
tea 39: Bidens pilosa
condiment 178: Piper guineense
H: Indirect use
host of mushroom 12: Pseudospondias microcarpa
115: Albizia gummifera
116: Arthrosamanea leptophylla
257: 'i'o'ote
food for edible insects . 85: Uapaca zanzibarica
96: Hyparrhenia sp.
126: Piptadeniastrum africanum
163: Maesa lanceolata
174: Sclerosperma mannii
216: Celtis dubia
237: 'ase'ese'e
269: lushie
fodder for cattle/goats .. 101: Setaria megaphylla
102: Setaria megaphylla
trap bait for birds . 6: Minlulopsis arborescens
78: Ficus natalensis
216: Celtis dubia
248: isasa-lya-atengetenge
262: 'isu
giant rats . 16: Tabernaemontana cf. crassa
60: Cogniauxia trilobata
174: Sclerosperma mannii
a fish . 191: Canthium connatum
set a monkey trap . 156: Ficus vogelii
a bird trap . 191: Canthium sp.
I: Used by animals
food for birds . 6: Mimulopsis arborescens
19: Schefflera myriantha
73: Alchornea cordifolia
78: Ficus natalensis
88: Casearia cf. engleri
105: Harungana madagascariensis
153: Ficus capensis
163: Maesa lanceolata
190: Bertiera subsessilis
191: Canthium sp.
194: Galiniera coffeoides
198: lubondo (Rubiaceae sp.)
202: Chrysophyllum sp.
216: Celtis dubia
231: 'achinga
248: isasa-lya-atengetenge
262: 'isu
270: lushimyambulu
food for cane-rats . 101: Setaria megaphylla
102: Setaria megaphylla
Ethnobotany of the Lega: Part 1 61