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South African Journal of Botany 2003, 69(3): 382–395 Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd Printed in South — All rights reserved SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY ISSN 0254–6299

The ethnobotany of the Midzichenda tribes of the coastal forest areas in : 2. Medicinal uses

M Pakia and JA Cooke*

School of Life and Environmental Sciences, George Campbell Building, University of Natal, Durban 4041, * Corresponding author, e-mail: [email protected]

Received 12 December 2002, accepted in revised form 2 April 2003

The Midzichenda have relied on plant resources for Some plant species used for medicinal purposes are their basic needs, which included medicinal use, for known to possess therapeutic characteristics, while centuries. This paper presents an inventory of some of other medicinal are used only on the basis of the indigenous knowledge on medicinal plant uses of mythical beliefs within the society. However, much of three Midzichenda tribes: Duruma, Giriama and Digo. A the traditional knowledge on medicinal plants used by significant proportion (56%) of all plant species used the Midzichenda has not been tested ethnopharmaco- were employed for the basic health care system and logically. magical rituals and this is likely to remain so in future.

Introduction

Southern and eastern Africa, with its high plant biodiversity, After each scientific name, the vernacular name is given, has accumulated, through many centuries, a great mass of with an abbreviation of the dialect, i.e. ‘Dur’ for Duruma, ‘Gir’ popular medicinal remedies (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk for Giriama, and ‘Dig’ for Digo. 1962). Although these remedies are still in common use In this study a total of 237 species, in 68 plant families, (Hutchings et al. 1996) the information on traditional health were recorded to be of medicinal value to Midzichenda treatments remain poorly recorded (Van Wyk 2002). tribes, specifically for the Digo, Duruma and Giriama. The Living inside forest villages for centuries the plant families and were the most Midzichenda’s social life strongly involved the utilisation of utilised (Figure 1) and other important families were forest resources for basic needs (Spear 1978) and these Annonaceae, , Asclepiadaceae, Rubiaceae peoples have accumulated an extensive traditional knowl- and Verbanaceae. On the basis of plant parts, the most edge on medicinal plants. General ethnobotanical perspec- utilised parts were the roots (176 species) and (126 tives and non-medicinal plant uses of the Midzichenda have species). The other plant parts used (stem, and ) been discussed in an earlier paper (Pakia and Cooke 2003). were of relatively minor importance. A combined use of roots This paper presents an overview of the local use of plants for and leaves was very common. For small plants, epiphytes medicines among Midzichenda tribes and the traditional and herbaceous species, the whole plant was often used. health care system. From this study, the use of plants for medicinal and magi- cal purpose was noted to be significantly more important to Material and Methods the Midzichenda than any other plant use category (Table 1). The plants used for medicinal and magical values, however, Ethnobotanical information on the uses of medicinal plants were mainly species (Table 1) many of which could be and general health care was collected during interviews with found in ‘secondary’ bushland vegetation and could there- 14 respondents from among the kaya elders and local heal- fore be acquired from farmland and other wild land areas. ers. These respondents are listed in the citations. Further This observation is similar to that of Nyamweru (1997) and details of the methods of data collection are given in Pakia could provide a basis for some plant resource development and Cooke (2003). outside the conserved kaya forest areas. A total of 26 broad categories of ailments or afflictions Results and Discussion were treated using medicinal plants. From the data, the cat- egory most addressed using medicinal plants (on the basis The list of medicinal plants, with details of the specific uses of number of species used) was spiritual ailments (afflictions and cures is presented as Appendix 1. The species in the associated with spiritual powers), for which 125 species inventory have been grouped according to plant families. (over 50% of the recorded medicinal plant species) were South African Journal of Botany 2003, 69(3): 382–395 383

Table 1: Number of taxa in each life-form used in each major use category

Plant life-form No. of No. of shrub No. of vine/climber No. of herbaceous No. of epiphytic Utility index species used species used species used species used species used Use category (*n = 82) (n = 120) (n = 40) (n = 70) (n = 4 ) (100% = 417) Medicine/magical 53 98 36 44 4 235 (56.3%) Building/timber 41 19 0 2 0 62 (14.9%) Food 19 17 4 11 0 51 (12.2%) Carving/crafting 24 17 4 0 0 45 (10.8%) Fiber/tying material 3 5 6 0 0 14 (3.4%) Poison 2 5 3 0 0 10 (2.4%)

*n = number of different species of each life-form. NB one species may occur in more than one use category

plant materials and non-plant materials are mixed to make KEY: Plant Family Codes either curative or protective potions. An example of this is 1. Fabaceae where the roots of Hugonia castaneifolia, the head of a 25 2. Euphorbiaceae 3. Annonaceae snake, a piece of a thorn and blood from a black chicken, 4. Rubiaceae are mixed to make a potion used to both treat, and protect 20 5. Apocynaceae against, snakebites. Plants can be used in combinations of 6. Verbenaceae two or more species, but usually a superior species is recog- 7. Asclepiadaceae 15 8. Ebenaceae nised in the combination. For example, severe headache is 9. Lamiaceae treated using different combinations of plant species, but 10. Rutaceae ‘Mvundza-jembe’ (Allophylus rubifolius and Allophylus 10 pervillei) is superior in the combinations and must be includ- ed, while for convulsions the Grewia species are superior in

NUMBER OF TAXA USED the combinations. Furthermore, an individual species or a 5 combination of species can be used to treat more than one ailment, and for each ailment there are alternative curative species. Thus Agathisanthemum bojeri is used to treat spir- 12345678910 itual ailments, stomach ailments, pregnancy complications, PLANT FAMILIES (coded, see key) convulsions and skin diseases. Pregnancy complications can be treated using a combination of Allophylus rubifolius, Figure 1: Important plant families for medicinal use Allophylus pervillei, Monanthotaxis fornicata, Uvaria acumi- nata and Terminalia spinosa, and convulsions can be treat- ed using Platycerium alcicorne, Uvaria faulknerae, used. This observation suggests that the efficacy of these Uvariodendron kirkii, Synaptolepis kirkii and Grewia species. species strongly depends upon traditional belief in spirits; a The popularity of alternative therapies, i.e. medicinal and legitimate tool for healing and emotional support. Other ail- magical plants and the traditional healing system, over ments associated with using medicinal plants were: gastro- orthodox health care, among the general population of intestinal ailments (50 species used), urino-genital tract ail- Midzichenda can be attributed to the advantages traditional ments (43 species), convulsions (40 species), mid-wifery (39 medicines have over the orthodox medicines as explained species), respiratory ailments (37 species), pains (30 by Cunningham (1988) that: species) and snakebites (20 species). Other ailments/disor- • traditional medicines are cheap and more accessible to ders for which plants were used (sepsis, love potions, sexu- most of the population in the rural areas, while good health al vigour and fertility, inflamation, children’s diseases, poi- facilities are expensive and usually mean travelling con- soning, cosmetics, skin diseases, veterinary diseases and siderable distances. cleansing rituals) were relatively minor, with 19 or less plant • traditional medicine is accepted among the local popula- species used for each. It is possible that, either these disor- tion, as it blends readily into the socio-cultural life of the ders were specific in terms of the plants needed to treat African people. them, or were better addressed using other (non-plant) The majority of the Midzichenda population in the rural means. This was not established. coastal areas of Kenya are in the low socio-economic Medicinal and magical uses were popular with people of bracket (Nyamweru 1997) and modern health facilities are all ages, gender and social status. There was no distinction very costly. The medicinal/magical plant use in that case between medicinal and magical uses of plants in the becomes the convenient, and often, the only option. Midzichenda traditional health care system. For example, Medicinal plant use therefore, will remain an integral part of the local terms dawa (medicine) and lagula (to treat), refer to the health care system to the Midzichenda tribes for a long potions and processes (respectively) and are used in time to come. describing herbal medication treatments, and magical ritu- While pharmacological results show that plants can have als, symbolic and cultural cleansing processes. Further, potential medicinal value (Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk 1962, 384 Pakia and Cooke

Hutchings et al. 1996), and thus plant use for medicines can medicinal and magical purposes, about 30% are shared with conform with reasoning based on a scientific approach, the other ethnic peoples of Africa. For most species the specific intricate relationship between medicine and magic noted in use is not in common, but the attachment of a medicinal this study is interesting. The inseparable association of med- value to the species is shared. However, based on the cur- icine and magic probably revolves around the local percep- rent available literature only, 20% of the shared medicinal tion and comprehension of the concept of ‘disease’. plant species showed pharmaceutical attributes related to Although most diseases have visible symptoms, from a tra- the medicinal usage as employed by the Midzichenda tribes. ditional perspective the causes and cures are attributed to This observation only strengthens the conclusion that tradi- invisible supernatural powers. Cholera and diarrhoea, for tional Midzichenda plant medicines are probably better example, could be ascribed to spiritual powers, ancestral described as psycho-medicines. However, it must be demands, or witchcraft spells. And the treatment would be to emphasised here that there has been little pharmaceutical ward off, cleanse, or neutralise the effects of the invisible investigation on the therapeutic claims made by the powers, followed by protective rituals against re-occurrence Midzichenda tribes concerning the medicinal plants they in future. This argument justifies the significant use of medic- use, thus much still remains to be established. inal plants for spiritual issues, and supports the symbolic value of the kaya to the Midzichenda community, where Acknowledgements — We are grateful to People and Plants cleansing rituals and ceremonies are conducted to ‘protect’ (UNESCO) for funding the fieldwork of this study, and to the and to ‘treat’ the community against epidemics and calami- University of Natal for the financial support in the writing and publi- ties (Spear 1978, Willis 1996). In this context disease is not cation through the University of Natal Research Fund. We also thank the respondents for sharing their knowledge with us, and the just the manifestation of illness due to specific causes e.g. kaya elders for allowing us to work in their sacred forest areas. We bacteria and viruses, but the absence of physical, social and gratefully recognise the taxonomic expertise and assistance of psychological peace and comfort. Quentin Luke (National Museums of Kenya) and Dehn von Ahlefeldt Most poisonous plants are locally recognised as such, and (University of Natal). in everyday life these plants are used for their toxicity in fish poisoning, as arrow poisons and against pests (Pakia and Citations (List of Respondents) Cooke 2003). However, some are used as oral medicines Abdallah Ali Mnyenze, kaya elder for kaya Kinondo, and traditional e.g. Adenium obesum (Apocynaceae) which is used to treat healer, Kwale District. stomach ailments, and to protect against snakebites and Athuman Mwachausa, kaya elder for kaya Diani, Kwale District. poisoning. It is believed that the toxicity effects are reversed Badi Omar Mwamarifah, traditional healer in Tiwi, Kwale District. by the healers through incantations. The incantations here Gatoka Foyo, practising spiritual healer for kaya Mtswakara, Kwale District. are perceived as the detoxification processes. In the Hamisi Kazungu Kalume, kaya guard for kaya Gandini (Duruma) absence of the incantations, it is believed that one will suffer and healer trainee, Kwale. from poisoning if any poisonous plant is taken orally. Hassan Humbo, kaya elder for kaya Sega in Kwale District. While the efficacy of most plant medicines still remains to Hussein Siwa, kaya elder for kaya Diani, Kwale District. be proved physiologically, the traditional selection of plants Majaliwa Mwalimu, traditional healer, Vuga, Kwale District. for medicinal use has probably been through trial and error Mungwari Mwagwaha, a practising spiritual healer for kaya Fungo, within a context strongly built on beliefs and myths. In Kilifi District. Europe, the doctrine of signatures, first postulated by Mwanasha Ganzori, traditional healer in Tiwi, Kwale District. Paracelsus (1490–1541) (Thomson 1978), was adopted for Mwayaya Chuphi, kaya elder for kaya Mtswakara and retired local some medicinal uses and a similar correlation between house constructor, Kwale. Mzee Ali Mwagoga, kaya elder for kaya Lunguma, and traditional appearance and medicinal application is evident among the healer, Kwale District. Midzichenda. For example, climber species with a snake- Rashid Mambeya, kaya elder for kaya Gonja in Kwale District. like crawling characteristic (e.g. Hugonia castaneifolia), are Swaleh Dzilala, kaya elder for kaya Waa, and traditional healer, important medicines for snakebites while epiphytic and par- Kwale District. asitic plant species (perceived as prospering over others) (e.g. Aerangis kirkii, Ansellia africana and Microcoelia exilis), References are used for love potions that promote popularity and lead- ership. Therefore, the relationship between appearance and Beentje H (1994) Kenya , and . National use applies to both the perspectives — that the traditional Museums of Kenya, Nairobi plant medicines ‘cure’ i.e. have therapeutic effects to cure Cunningham AB (1988) An investigation of the herbal medicine physical ailments, and ‘heal’ i.e. restore the social or psy- trade in Natal-KwaZulu. Investigational Report No. 29. Institute of chological comfort. Natural Resources, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg The utilisation of plants by the Midzichenda was compared Hutchings A, Scott AH, Lewis G, Cunningham AF (1996) Zulu Medicinal Plants: An Inventory. University of Natal Press, to other communities mainly through consulting other eth- Pietermaritzburg nobotanical literature: Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk (1962), Mabogo DEN (1990) The Ethnobotany of the Vhavenda. MSc Mabogo (1990), Beentje (1994) and Hutchings et al. (1996). Thesis, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa Earlier, Watt and Breyer-Brandwijk (1962) had noted gener- Nyamweru C (1997) Report on socio-cultural research carried out in al similarities between southern and eastern African tribal Kwale and Kilifi Districts of Kenya. Unpublished groups in both floristic usage and in ethnological information. Pakia M, Cooke JA (2003) The Ethnobotany of the Midzichenda With regard to the Midzichenda, of the species used for tribes of the coastal forest areas in Kenya: 1. General Perspective South African Journal of Botany 2003, 69(3): 382–395 385

and non-medicinal plant uses. South African Journal of Botany Watt JM, Breyer-Brandwijk MG (1962) The Medicinal and 69: 370–381 Poisonous Plants of Southern and Eastern Africa (2nd edn). Spear T (1978) The Kaya Complex. Kenya Literature Bureau, Livingstone, London Nairobi, Kenya Willis J (1996) The northern kayas of the Mijikenda: a gazetter, and Thomson WAR (1978) Healing Plants: A Modern Herbal. McMillan, an historical reassessment. Azania 31 New York Van Wyk BE (2002) A review of ethnobotanical research in southern Africa. South African Journal of Botany 68: 1–13

Edited by J van Staden 386 Pakia and Cooke

Appendix 1: A list of plant species of medicinal importance to Midzichenda community groups. The species in the inventory below have been grouped according to plant families (in upper case and bold). The species (in bold and italics) within each family are arranged alphabetically. The vernacular names are given with an abbreviation of the dialect in reference: ‘Dur’ for Duruma, ‘Gir’ for Giriama, and ‘Dig’ for Digo

ACANTHACEAE Asteranthe asterias (S. Moore) Engl. & Diels ssp. asterias Barleria setigera Rendle Muzondohera-nguluwe/Mulungu (Dur); Muszhondoheranguluwe Chidungadunga (Dur) (Gir); Mzondohera-nguluwe (Dig) The Duruma use the roots to treat disorders during menstruation. The roots and leaves are used as medicines for sore throats, coughs, spiritual ailments and veneral diseases. ADIANTACEAE Monanthotaxis faulkenerii Verdc. Adiantum comorense (Tard) Verdc. ined. Karori-katite (Gir) Muzi-wa-dziwe/Nyaa (Dur); Mbele (Gir) The Giriama use the leaves and roots for a charm against evil The Giriama use the leaves for symbolic values. The Giriama and spirits. Duruma use the leaves and roots for protective charms and to Monanthotaxis fornicata (Baill.) Verdc. treat septic swelling. Mudzala/Mudzala-doe (Dur); Karori (Gir); Mngweni-mlume/ Mngweni-madevu (Dig) The Duruma use the roots and leaves to make protective charms Achyranthes aspera L. var. aspera and as medicines for general body pains, spiritual ailments, pre- Muphulula/Mulazakoma/Chikuna-mlundi (Dur); Muphumbuluzi/ natal care and complications during menstruation. Muphulula-mbuzi, Mphumbuluzi (Dig) Monodora grandidieri Baill. The Duruma use the leaves to make a protective charm and as a Mukeli (Dur); Mucherere/Muvipo/Mubulushi (Gir); Mkerye/Mkele/ medicine for veneral diseases and septic swelling. Mlala-mwereru (Dig) Gomphrena celosoides Mart. The Giriama use the leaves and roots to treat spiritual ailments Garamata (Dur); Miya (Gir) and the Digo use the roots to treat rectal problems. The Duruma use the leaves to make magical charms which are Sphaerocoryne gracilis (Engl. & Diels) Verdc. used to protect against provocation and the evil-eye. Mubulushi (Dur); Mbulushi (Dig) Psilotrichum scleranthum Thw. The Duruma use the roots and leaves as a constituent of an Chibiriti-tsaka (Dur); Kabaruti-tsaka (Gir) aphrodisiac and as medicine for spiritual ailments. The Duruma use the roots as a medicine for convulsions and the Uvaria acuminata Oliv. Giriama use the leaves to make a magical charm that enhances Mudzala/Kadzala-doe (Dur); Murori/Mudzala-doe (Gir); Mngweni- victory in war. mchetu/Mngweni-mdide (Dig) Pupalia lappacea (L.) A. Juss. The roots and leaves are used to make magical charms and as Garimata (Dur); Jirimata/Jirimata-chetu (Dig) medicines for convulsions, coughs, snakebites and spiritual ail- The Duruma use the whole plant as a medicine for veneral dis- ments. eases and the Digo use the roots to induce salivation in babies. Uvaria faulknerae Verdc. Mudzala-komba/Mudzala-ubomu/Dzala-bomu (Dur) ANACARDIACEAE The Duruma use the roots and leaves to make magical charms Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. stuhlmannii (Engl.) and as medicines for convulsions and spiritual ailments. Kokwaro Uvaria lucida Benth. ssp. lucida Munyumbu (Dur/Gir); Mnyumbu/Mnyumbu-madzi/Mchumbu Mudzala-komba/Mudzala-ubomu/Dzala-bomu (Dur); Mudzala (Dig) (Gir); Mngweni-mlume/Mngweni-madevu/Mngweni-mkulu (Dig) The Duruma and Digo use the roots as medicines for veneral dis- The roots and leaves are used to make magical charms and as eases and to induce labour pains and also for making a protec- medicines for convulsions and spiritual ailments. tive charm. Uvariodendron kirkii Verdc. Ozoroa insignis Del. ssp. reticulata (Bak. f.) J.B. Gillett Mwangajine (Dur); Murori (Gir); Mwangajine-mlume/Mzondohera- Mtsalatsanga (Dur); Msalasanga (Dig) nguluwe (Dig) The Digo and Duruma use the roots as medicines for complica- The Giriama use the roots and leaves to make magical charms tions in menstruation, to treat veneral diseases and to make a and the Digo use the roots as medicines for convulsions and protective charm. blood diarrhoea. Ozoroa obovata (Oliv.) R. & A. Fernandes Msalasanga/Mtsalatsanga (Dur); Msalasanga (Dig) APOCYNACEAE Used in similar way to Ozoroa insignis Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult. Rhus natalensis Bernh. ex Krauss Mwadiga (Dur/Dig), Mwanyoka/Mwadiga (Gir) There was no vernacular name given for this species. This species is understood to be poisonous, but it is used as an The Giriama use the roots as medicines for abdominal pains, uri- oral medicine for stomach ailments, snakebites and poisoning. A nary tract infection and convulsions. healer must instruct it to be a medicine and not a poison prior to Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. its usage. Mung’ongo (Dur); Mng’ongo (Dig) Ancylobotrys petersiana (Klotzsch) Pierre The Digo use the bark of the stem as a medicine for toothache. Muhonga/Muhonga-udide (Dur); Mutongazi/Mutungazi (Gir); The Duruma and Digo use the leaves in tribal cleansing rituals. Mbohoya (Dig) The Duruma use the stem and leaves to make a good luck ANNONACEAE charm. Artabotrys modestus Diels ssp. macranthus Verdc. Carissa tetramera (Sacleux) Stapf Mwangajine (Dur) Muloe (Dur); Mtandamboo/Nvuje-ya-tsi (Gir) The Duruma use the roots to treat spiritual ailments. The Duruma use the roots to treat spiritual ailments. The Giriama South African Journal of Botany 2003, 69(3): 382–395 387

use the leaves and roots to treat spiritual ailments and convul- Dregea sp. sions. Mubafyebafye (Dur) Hunteria zeylanica (Retz.) Gardn. ex Thw The Duruma use the stem and leaves to treat and protect against Mudigizo-mwitu (Gir); Mziyaziya (Dur); Mziyaziya/Mziyaziya- snakebites. mchetu/Mdimu-tsaka (Dig) Pentarrhinum insipidum E. Mey. The Giriama use the leaves and roots as medicines against Nvuje-yatsi (Dur) witchcraft spells. The Duruma use the roots as medicines for stomach-ache and kirkii T.-Dyer for abnormal vaginal secretion. Muhonga-ulume (Dur); Mpira (Dig) The Duruma use the roots as a medicine for stomach ailments. ASPARAGACEAE comorensis (Bojer) Pichon Asparagus falcatus L. Muhonga (Dur); Muungo (Dig) Mwinika-ndzovu/Mwinamo-ndzovu/Mwinika (Dur); Mwanangira The Duruma and Digo use the roots as medicines for pre-natal (Gir) care. The Duruma use the stem or roots to treat stomach ailments and Strophanthus kombe Oliv. constipation. The Giriama use the leaves to treat spiritual ail- Muzigande (Dur); Mwambalu (Gir) ments and convulsions. The Giriama use the leaves to make a charm used in a tribal Asparagus sp. cleansing ritual. Mwinika-ndzovu/Mwinamo-ndzovu/Mwinika (Dur); Mwanangira Tabernaemontana elegans Stapf (Gir) Mudigizo (Gir); Chibombo (Dig) The Duruma and Giriama use the leaves to treat spiritual ail- The Giriama use the roots to treat ailments resulting from witch- ments and convulsions. The Duruma use the roots to treat stom- craft spells. ach ailments.

ARACEAE ASPHODELACEAE Anchomanes abbreviatus Engl. Aloe kilifiensii Christian Chera-cha–msuhuni (Dur); Konzwi-ya-tsakani/Kisurazi (Gir) Golonje-ra-msuhuni (Dur) The Giriama apply a poultice of the roots to severe wounds and The Duruma use the latex to treat headaches. to septic swellings. Aloe volkensii Engl. ssp. volkensii Gonatopus boivinii (Decne.) Engl. Golonje-ra-msuhuni (Dur); Bome (Gir); Golonje (dig) Chera (Dur); Konzwi (Gir); Kundzwi/Uluanga (Dig) The Duruma and Digo use the latex to treat headaches. The The Giriama use the roots to treat mumps. Giriama use the leaves to de-worm livestock. Stylochaeton salaamicus N.E. Br. Toro-nyika (Dur); Kirazi/Konzwi (Gir); Nyaa/Chinyaa (Dig) ASTERACEAE The Duruma use the leaves to treat spiritual ailments. The Digo Achyrothalamus marginatus O. Hoffm. use this species to induce salivation in babies. Mweza (Dur/Dig); Mlazakoma/Chigalugalu (Dur); Mweza-moyo Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Lodd.) Engl. (Dur) Mnyundonyundo (Dur); Konzwi (Gir) The Duruma and Digo use the roots to make a love charm. The Duruma and Giriama use an extract from the plant as ear-drops. Duruma use the roots to restore penile erection and sexual vigour if these problems are due evil spirits. The Digo use the roots as ARALIACEAE medicines to alleviate liver pains. Cussonia zimmermannii Harms Blepharispermum zanguebaricum Oliv. & Hiern Munyala (Dur/Gir); Mnyala (Dig) Mulanza (Gir) The Duruma use the leaves and roots to avert witchcraft spells. The Giriama use the leaves and roots to treat spiritual ailments. The Giriama use the roots to treat Kwashiorkor. Vernonia hildebrandtii Vatke Mlaza-koma (Gir); Phatsa (Dig) ASCLEPIADACEAE The Giriama use the roots to treat convulsions. Ceropegia seticorana E.A. Bruce Vernonia sp. Mufunga-mambo (Gir) Phoza (Dur) The Giriama use the whole plant to make a protective charm The Duruma use the whole plant to make a charm that averts against witchcraft. witchcraft spells. Ceropegia sp. Mufunga-mambo (Gir) BALANITACEAE The Giriama use the whole plant to make a protective charm Balanites wilsoniana Dawe & Sprague against witchcraft. Mukonga (Dur); Mkonga (Dig) Cryptolepis sinensis (Lour.) Merr. ssp. africana Bullock (C. apic- The Duruma and Digo use the roots as medicines for general ulatum K. Schum.) body pains and muscle injuries. Mufunga-mambo (Dur) The Duruma use the whole plant to make a protective charm BIGNONIACEAE against witchcraft. Markhamia zanzibarica (DC.) Engl. Cynanchum validum N.E. Br. Mtwawanda/Mtalawanda (Dur); Mpalawanda/Mlangazuka (Dig) Nvuje-yatsi (Dur) The leaves and roots are used to treat and protect against The Duruma use the whole plant to treat spiritual ailments. snakebites. The Digo use the roots to treat excessive bleeding Dregea rubicunda K. Schum. during childbirth. Kalumwa (Dur) The Duruma use the roots for post-natal care. 388 Pakia and Cooke

BOMBACACEAE Adansonia digitata L. heterophylla (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Loes. Muuyu (Dur/Gir/Dig); Mkulu-kazingwa (Dig) Mdunga-tundu (Dur); Mtsokola-ng’ongo (Dig). The leaves are used in tribal cleansing rituals. The Duruma use The Duruma and Digo use the roots as medicines for pre-natal the roots and bark of the stem as medicines for dizziness, nau- care, veneral diseases and liver problems. sea, headaches and hypertension. The bark is used for a protec- Gymnosporia mossambicensis (Klotzsch) Loes. var. ambonensis tive charm. The Digo use the leaves as medicines for children’s (Loes.) N. Robson diseases. Caves in the tree are considered sacred and used as Mudunga-tundu (Dur/Gir); Mugheha (Gir) traditional prayer/healing grounds. The Duruma use the roots as medicines for pre-natal care. The rhodognaphalon K. Schum. Giriama use the leaves and roots to avert witchcraft spells. Mware (Dur/Gir/Dig) undata (Thunb.) Blakelock The leaves are used in tribal cleansing rituals. The Giriama Mulimbolimbo (Dur) herbalists use a concoction of the leaves to foretell the future. The Duruma use the leaves as an antiseptic and cure for The Duruma and Digo use the roots as medicines for asthma, wounds. coughs and diarrhoea. COMBRETACEAE Combretum hereroense Schinz Bourreria nemoralis (Güerke) M. Thulin Mchira-ng’ombe (Dur); Mufunga-mambo (Gir) Mubunduki (Dur); Musimbiji (Gir); Mbunduchi (Dig) The Duruma use the leaves and roots as medicines for chest The Giriama use the leaves and roots to avert witchcraft spells. pains. The Giriama use the roots to make a defensive charm. The Digo use the roots as medicines for stomach and kidney ail- Combretum illairii Engl. ments. Mwamba-ngoma (Dur/Dig); Muchirang’ombe (Dur); Mufunga- Cordia faulknerae Verdc. mambo (Gir) Mugwale (Gir) The Duruma use the leaves and sticks to treat spiritual ailments The Giriama use the leaves and roots as medicines for ailments and to make protective charms and the roots as medicines for due to sexual misconduct. veneral diseases. The Giriama use the roots to make protective Ehretia bakeri Britten charms. Nchikoma/Fungaliza (Dur) Combretum schumannii Engl. The Duruma use the leaves and roots to make a protective charm Muryanyani/Mukongolo (Dur); Muryanyani (Gir); Mkongolo/ in times of danger. Mryanyani (Dig) The Duruma and Giriama use the leaves and roots to make pro- BURSERACEAE tective charms. Commiphora africana (A. Rich.) Engl. var. africana Terminalia spinosa Engl. Mubambara (Dur); Tola (Gir) Mwanga (Dur/Gir/Dig) The Duruma use the roots as medicines for convulsions and ven- The Duruma use the roots as medicine for stomach ailments. The eral diseases and the Giriama use the roots to treat spiritual ail- Giriama use the roots to make a charm against witchcraft. ments. Commiphora edulis (Klotzsch) Engl. ssp. boiviniana (Engl.) Gillett COMMELINACEAE Murya-kwembe (Dur); Mukwembe (Dur/Gir); Mryakwembe (Dig) Commelina africana L. (s.l.) The Digo use the leaves and roots as medicines for convulsions Dzedza/Mkengeja (Dur) and the Giriama use the roots to treat diarrhoea. The Duruma use the whole plant to make a charm that is used Commiphora eminii Engl. ssp. Zimmermannii (Engl.) Gillett during tribal cleansing rituals. Mudendende (Dur); Mukaya (Gir) Commelina benghalensis L. The Giriama use the leaves to make a magical charm against evil Dzedza/Mkengeja (Dur); Dzadza (Gir) spirits. The Duruma use the whole plant to make a charm that is used Commiphora lindensis Engl. during tribal cleansing rituals. The Giriama use the leaves to treat Mubambara/Kabambara (Dur); Katola-katite (Gir); Mbambara/ children’s diseases. Chibambara (Dig) Commelina bracteosa Hassk. The Giriama use the roots and leaves to treat swelling of the Dzedza/Chidzedza/Mkengeja (Dur); Dzadza (Gir); Kogwe-chetu body. The Duruma and Digo use the roots for pre-natal care. (Dig) The Duruma use the whole plant to make a charm that is used CAPPARIDACEAE during tribal cleansing rituals. Boscia sp. Commelina forskaolii Vahl Muzikaha (Gir) Dzadza-lume (Dur); Kongwe-lume (Dig) The Giriama use the roots and leaves for magical charms and to The Duruma use the whole plant to make a charm that is used treat spiritual ailments. during tribal cleansing rituals. Capparis fascicularis DC. var. scheffleri (Gilg & Ben.) Dewolf Mupopolio/Muvwada-paka (Dur) CONVOLVULACEAE The Duruma use the roots as medicines for veneral diseases. Ipomoea shupangensis Bak. Capparis viminea Oliv. var. viminea. Mufunga-mambo (Gir) Mupopolio/Muvwada-paka (Dur); Mutoli (Gir); Chikombe-tsui The Giriama use the leaves to make a protective charm against (Dig) evil spirits. The roots are used as medicines for veneral diseases, to induce fertility and against septic swelling. South African Journal of Botany 2003, 69(3): 382–395 389

CRASSULACEAE EBENACEAE Kalanchoe lateritia Engl. var. lateritia Diospyros cornii Chiov. Gonzi-chireka/Muchira-wa-gonzi (Dur) Mukulu (Dur/Gir); Mkulu (Dig) The Duruma use the whole plant to make a charm used in tribal The Giriama use the stem to make protective charms and the cleansing, to avert witchcraft spells and to bring spiritual protec- Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines for toothache, stom- tion. ach ailments and spiritual ailments. Kalanchoe obtusa Engl. Diospyros natalensis (Harv.) Brenan Gonzi-chireka (Dur) Katsungwi-ka-tsakani/Mutsungwi (Gir) The Duruma use the whole plant as medicines for children’s The Giriama use the roots to treat spiritual ailments. diseases and as a pesticide. Diospyros sp. Mukulu-kipanya (Gir) CUCURBITACEAE The Giriama use the roots to make a magical charm that revers- Kedrostis heterophylla A. Zimm. es the effects of witchcraft spells. Mumavimavi (Dur) Diospyros squarrosa Klotzsch The Duruma use the whole plant to avert witchcraft spells, for Mdzungu-muho (Dur); Mupweke (Dur/Gir); Mpweke (Dig) tribal cleansing and use the leaves as medicines for children’s The Duruma and Digo use the roots as medicines for pre-natal diseases. care, septic swelling and convulsions. Momordica boivinii Baill. Euclea natalensis A. DC. ssp. obovata F. White Kadhimi-kapaka (Gir) Mukipa (Gir) The Giriama use the leaves and roots to treat spiritual ailments. The Giriama use the roots as medicines for diarrhoea, poisoning Zehneria pallidinervia (Harms) C. Jeffrey and snakebites. Mwanyoka (Gir) Euclea racemosa Murray ssp. schimperi (A. DC.) F. White The Giriama use the leaves to make protective charms and as Mubafyebafye (Dur); Muyesa (Gir) medicine for snakebites. The Duruma use the roots against poisoning.

CYPERACEAE EUPHORBIACEAE Cyperus alternifolius L. ssp. flabelliformis (Rottb.) Kuk. Acalypha echinus Pax & K. Hoffm. Ndago/Chidago-msuhu (Dur) Muvundza-jembe (Dur); Mubulushi-ulume (Gir) The Duruma use the plant to make a charm that is used to induce The Giriama use the leaves and roots to treat spiritual ailments. extra body strength. Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. var. fruticosa Cyperus kaessneri C.B. Cl. Muvundza-jembe/Msasa-ngudu (Dur); Mutsatsa (Gir); Ndago/Chidago-msuhu (Dur) Mtsatsa/Chitsasa/Mphatsa (Dig) The Duruma use the plant to make a charm that is used to induce The Giriama use the leaves to treat spiritual ailments. The extra body strength. Duruma use the roots as medicines for snakebites and the Digo Cyperus sp. use the leaves to induce labour pains. Kidago (Gir) Acalypha neptunica Müll. Arg. var. neptunica The Giriama use root to treat spiritual ailments. Muvundza-jembe (Dur); Mutsatsa-ulume/Mubarawa (Gir); Kyllinga erecta Schumach. var. erecta Syn C. erectus Mvundza-jembe (Dig) (Schumach.) Nattif. & Kuk. The Giriama use the leaves and roots to make magical charms Ndago (Dur) against witchcraft spells. The Duruma use the plant to make a charm that is used to induce Bridelia cathartica Bertol. f. extra body strength. Mkalakala (Dur/Gir); Musimbiji (Gir); Mwambeberu (Dig) The Duruma and Giriama use the leaves and roots as medicines DICHAPETALACEAE for convulsions. The Giriama use the leaves and roots to treat Dichapetalum zenkeri Engl. spiritual ailments and the Digo use the roots as medicines for pre- Mtundukula (Dur); Mtsonga-nyomba (Dig) natal care. The Digo use the roots as medicines for veneral diseases, men- pseudopulchellus Pax strual disorders and for pre-natal care. Mulaga-pala (Dur); Muyama/Mufukizo (Dur/Gir) The Duruma use the roots and leaves as medicines for convul- DILLENIACEAE sions, gastric lesions and inflamation, while the Giriama use them Tetracera boiviniana Baill. to treat spiritual ailments. Mukala-fisi (Dur/Dig); Mukayukayu (Gir); Mkalafisi (Dig) Croton talaeporos Radcliffe-Smith The Duruma use the roots as medicines for stomach ailments Mbono-koma (Gir) and veneral diseases. The Giriama use the roots and leaves as medicines for general body pains and for inflamation. DRACAENACEAE Euphorbia nyikae Pax var. neovolkensii (Pax) Carter Sansevieria arborescens Cornn. Mwatsa/Mwatsa-komba (Dur); Ganga (Dur/Dig); Kithongothongo/ Chongwa (Dur/Gir); Kitengwa (Gir) Chaa/Chaa-komba (Gir) The Giriama use the roots to treat veneral diseases. The Duruma The Duruma use the stem for a protective charm and the Digo use -pricks as part of a charm used for treating and protect- use the latex as a medicine for septic swelling. ing against snakebites. Euphorbia tirucalli L. Sansevieria kirkii Bak. Muphila (Gir) Makonje-ga-msuhuni (Dur); Makonje-mala/Mwanangira (Gir) The Giriama use the species for veterinary medicines. The Duruma use the roots to make a protective charm against Euphorbia wakefieldia N.E. Br. evil spirits. Chidzatsa/Kamwatsa (Dur) The Duruma use a decoction of the stem for post-natal abdomi- nal pains. 390 Pakia and Cooke

Flueggea virosa (Willd.) Voigt ssp. virosa ache, headache and dizziness, while the Giriama and Digo use Mukwamba (Dur/Gir); Mkwambachitu/Mkwamba-mchetu (Dig) the leaves as medicines for stomach-ache, diarrhoea and against The Duruma and Giriama use the roots to make a magical charm spits from snakes, particularly cobras. against witchcraft spells and as a medicine for veneral diseases and convulsions. The Digo use the roots to treat stomach-ache, FABACEAE to alleviate kidney pains and treat complications during childbirth. Subfamily MIMOSOIDEAE Jatropha sp. Acacia adenocalyx Brenan & Exell Msabuni/Kabono-koma (Dur) Munga/Muvwada-paka/Mwangoloto(Dur); Chinyakore/Chikombe- The Duruma use the tuber against snakebites and poisoning. tsui (Dig) Mildbraedia carpinifolia (Pax) Hutch. var. carpinifolia The Duruma and Digo use the roots to make protective charms Muvundza-jembe (Dur); Mtsonga-nyomba (Dig) and as medicines for septic swelling. The Duruma use the roots and leaves to treat spiritual ailments. Acacia etbaica Schweinf. ssp. platycarpa Brenan. Phyllanthus sp. Mugundi/Chikwata/Magwada (Dur) Kaithima-kalume (Gir) The Duruma use the stem bark and the roots as medicines for the The Giriama and Digo use the leaves and roots to make protec- common cold and veneral diseases. tive charms against evil spirits. Acacia mellifera (Vahl) Benth. ssp. mellifera Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. Chikwata-kombe (Dur); Kikwata (Gir); Chikwata (Dig) Mukwamba (Dur); Chikwamba/Mkambakamba/Mkwamba-lungo The Duruma and Giriama use the roots and leaves as medicines (Dig) for spiritual ailments, convulsions and snakebites. The Duruma and Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines for Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del. ssp. subalata (Vatke) Brenan convulsions and snakebites. Muoti (Gir) Ricinus communis L. The Giriama use roots and stem bark as medicines for coughs. Mbono (Dur/Gir/Dig); Muono (Dig) Acacia robusta Burch. ssp. usamabarensis (Taub.) Brenan Oil from the seeds is used in tribal cleansing rituals. The Duruma Mtsemeri (Gir) and Digo use the oil from the seeds as a medicine for snakebites. The Giriama use the roots and stem bark as medicines for chest The Digo use the roots as a medicine for septic swelling. pains, colds and coughs. Sond. Acacia seyal Del. Mutanga (Dur) Mugunga/Chigundi (Dur/Dig) The Duruma use the roots and bark of the stem as antiseptics. The Duruma and Digo use the roots to treat coughs and colds. Suregada zanzibariensis Baill. Acacia stuhlmannii Taub. Chikuro/Mudimu-tsaka (Dur); Mudimu-wa-tsakani (Gir); Mdimu- Msaro (Dur); Mgunga (Dig) tsaka (Dig) The Duruma and Digo use the roots, leaves and inner bark as The roots are used as a medicine for swelling of any body part. medicines for cholera, pneumonia and coughs. Thecacoris bussei Pax Acacia zanzibarica (S. Moore) Taub. var. zanzibarica Chigodani/Kagodani (Dur) Mulozi/Mupiga-kululu/Mwongololi (Dur); Muhega-kululu (Dur/Gir) The Duruma use the roots as a medicine for stomach-ache and The Duruma and Giriama use the roots and leaves as medicines diarrhoea and to induce salivation in children. for stomach-ache, diarrhoea, coughs, asthma, septic swelling, Tragia furialis Bojer snakebites and spiritual ailments. Lwavi (Dur/Gir) Albizia anthelmintica (A. Rich.) Brongn. The Duruma and Giriama use the leaves as medicines for skin Mporojo (Dur/Gir) diseases and for diarrhoea. The Duruma use the roots as medicine for convulsions. Albizia versicolor Oliv. FABACEAE Mtsani/Mtsani-ndzovu (Dur/Dig) Subfamily CAESALPINIOIDEAE The Duruma and Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines for Afzelia quanzensis Welw. convulsions, chest pains and veneral diseases. Mubambakofi (Dur/Gir); Mwamba (Gir); Mbambakofi (Dig) Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. The Digo use the roots as a medicine for chest pains, stomach- Mukingiri (Dur/Gir); Mukirindi (Gir); Mchinjiri/Mpingwa/Chipato ache and post-natal care. (Dig) Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. The Duruma use the stem bark, roots and leaves as medicines Muburuga/Mutere (Dur); Mburuga/Mbate (Dig) for diarrhoea, pre-natal care and convulsions. The Giriama use The seeds, leaves and roots are used as medicines for asthma, the leaves and roots to counter witchcraft spells. The Digo use complications during menstruation, to avoid miscarriage and as the roots and leaves as medicines for pre-natal care and convul- eye-drops to treat internal blood clots in the eye. sions and for making love charms that foster prosperity, peace Cassia singueana (Del.) Lock, Syn Senna singueana and love in a community. Muhumba/Muhumba-chitu (Dur); Muhumba (Dig) The Duruma and Digo use the roots as medicines for pre-natal FABACEAE care, general body pains, and veneral diseases. Subfamily PAPILIONOIDEAE Cassia sp. Abrus precatorius L. ssp. africanus Verdc. Muhumba-ng’ombe (Dur) Muturituri (Dur/Gir); Mwangalanyuchi/Mwamsusumbika (Dig) The Duruma use the roots as medicines for veneral diseases. The Duruma burn the leaves to make charms that promote busi- Cynometra webberi Bak. f. ness. The Giriama use the roots as medicines for asthma and Mufunda/Mufunda-ulume (Dur) septic swelling. The Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines The Duruma use the leaves as medicines for children’s diseases. for gynaecological pains, veneral diseases and asthma. Tamarindus indica L. brevicaudata (Vatke) Dunn ssp. brevicaudata Mukwaju (Dur/Gir); Mkwadzu (Dig) Muphande/Muchokoi (Dur); Muhande (Gir); Mphande/Chikunguni The Duruma use the leaves and roots as medicines for stomach- (Dig) The Digo use the roots as medicine for hypertension. South African Journal of Botany 2003, 69(3): 382–395 391

Dalbergia boehmii Taub. ssp. boehmii Murandze (Dur/Dig) Pyrenacantha vogeliana Baill. The Duruma use the leaves and roots to treat spiritual ailments. Mugandzi (Dur); Ria (Gir); Bundi (Dig) The Digo use the roots as medicines for general body pains, diar- The Duruma and Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines for rhoea and to induce labour pains. pre-natal care, veneral diseases, bilharzia and epilepsy. The Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr. Giriama use the root-tuber to treat poultry diseases. Muphingo (Dur); Muhingo (Gir); Mphingo (Dig) The roots and leaves are commonly used as medicines for gas- LAMIACEAE tro-intestinal pains, pre-natal care, tonsillitis, coughs and veneral Hoslundia opposita Vahl diseases. In addition, the Duruma and Giriama use the roots to Mjongolo (Dur); Mutsereza-moyo (Gir); Mtserere (Dig) make protective charms against evil spirits. The Duruma and Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines for Erythrina sacleuxii Hua fresh wounds, pre-natal care and convulsions. They are also Mgala (Dur); Mulungu (Gir); Mwamba-ngoma/Mbamba-ngoma used in making a good luck charm. The Giriama use the leaves (Dig) and roots to make a charm that averts witchcraft spells. The Duruma use the roots to treat spiritual ailments. Ocimum gratissimum L. var. macrophyllum Briq. Syn O. viride Indigofera sp. Willd. Mushero/Kashero (Gir); Lihago (Dig) Luvumbani/Muvumba-manga (Gir); Vumbamanga (Dig) The Giriama use the leaves for a charm against evil spirits. The Digo use the leaves as medicines for toothache and swelling Lonchocarpus bussei Harms of the body. Muphumbuluzi/Msumari-bara (Dur) Plectranthus sp. The leaves are used to treat convulsions and the roots are used Vwaha/Reza (Dur); Kabodzebodze/Katore (Gir) to treat veneral diseases and for pre-natal care. The Duruma and Giriama use the whole plant to make a charm Millettia usaramensis Taub. ssp. usaramensis that is used in tribal cleansing rituals. The Duruma use the whole Muvamva (Dur); Mvava/Msumari (Dig) plant as a medicine for ailments due to sexual misconduct. The The Digo use the roots as medicines for coughs and chest pains. Giriama use the roots and leaves to treat spiritual ailments. Ormocarpum kirkii S. Moore Plectranthus tenuiflorus Vatke Chitwadzi (Dur); Kitwadzi (Gir); Chitadzi (Dig) Vwaha (Dur); Vumba/Vumba-mwitu (Gir); Mvuga/Mumbu/Gala- The Duruma use the roots to avert witchcraft spells. The Giriama galatsui (Dig) use the roots as medicines for septic swelling. The Digo use the The Giriama use the roots to treat spiritual ailments. The Digo roots and leaves to make a magical charm that induces extra use the leaves as medicine for stomach-ache and for pre-natal body strength. care. Ormocarpum sennoides DC. ssp. zanzibaricum Brenan & Gillett Solenostemon latifolius (Hochst. ex Benth.) J.K. Morton Mupingwa/Kakwaju (Dur); Humbo-ra-nguluwe/Mpingwa/Chik- Vwaha (Dur) wadzu (Dig) The Duruma use the whole plant to make a charm that is used The Duruma use the roots and leaves as medicines for convul- during tribal cleansing rituals. sions. The Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines for pre- Tinnea aethiopica Hook. f. ssp. litoralis Vollesen natal care, gynaecological pains, burns, and children’s diseases. Banfyofyo/Mfyofyo (Dur); Kasembeka (Gir) Tephrosia villosa (L.) Pers. ssp. ehrenbergiana (Schweinf.) The Duruma and Giriama use the roots as medicines for abdom- Brummitt inal pains and constipation. Kabalazi-mulungu/Mtititi (Dur); Chibalazi-mlungu/Chibalazi- chandze (Dig) LINACEAE The Duruma and Digo use the roots as medicines for pre-natal Hugonia castaneifolia Engl. care, coughs and fever. Chikuro-chibomu/Chikuro-cha-nyoka/Mbare (Dur); Kikuro/ Mubarawa (Gir) FLACOURTIACEAE The Duruma and Giriama use the roots and leaves to make pro- Grandidiera boivinii Jaub tective charms and the roots as medicines for snakebites, con- Mkarazo (Dur); Muvundza-jembe (Dur/Dig) vulsions, the common cold and spiritual ailments. The Duruma use the roots and leaves as medicines for the com- mon cold, tonsillitis, and septic swelling. The Digo use the roots to counteract poisoning effects. Gossypioides kirkii (Mast.) Hutch. Pamba-tsaka (Dur); Pambamwitu/Mgagamwe (Dig) FLAGELLARIACEAE The Duruma use the leaves as medicine to bless new-born Flagellaria guineensis Schumach. babies with a healthy life. Kalumbwi (Dur) Hibiscus altissimus Hornby The Duruma use the leaves as medicines for veneral diseases. There was no vernacular name identified for this species. The Duruma use the roots to make a magical charm against HERNANDIACEAE witchcraft spells. Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. ssp. americanus Hibiscus faulknerae K. Vollesen. Muhwahwa (Dur); Mchusa (Dig) Mtsunga-ng’ombe/Murembeganga (Dur); Mtsungula/Murembeganga The Digo use the leaves as an antiseptic. (Gir) The Duruma use the leaves to make protective charms. The HIPPOCRATEACEAE Giriama use the roots and leaves as medicines for convulsions Hippocratea africana (Willd.) Loes. and toothache. Mukipesa (Gir) Thespesia danis Oliv. The Giriama use the roots as medicines for gastro-intestinal Muhowe (Dur/Gir/Dig); Muhohe (Gir) pains and diarrhoea. The leaves are used in cleansing rituals. The Duruma use (seven 392 Pakia and Cooke

hole-free) leaves and roots to treat infertility in women and con- Vanilla roscheri Reichb. f. vulsions. The Digo use the leaves and roots as medicines for Mkazikazi (Dur) Museche (Gir) septic swelling. The Duruma use the species to treat stomach pains and for pre- natal care. MELASTOMATACEAE Memecylon sp. PANDANACEAE Mukadhimi-kapala (Gir) Pandanus rabaiensis Rendle The Giriama chew the roots to treat coughs. Mkaraza/Mkadi/Mgagara (Dur) The Duruma use the roots and leaves to make a protective charm MENISPERMACEAE against evil spirits. Cissampelos pareira L. Kabugu (Gir); Chishikio-paka/Chisikiro-paka (Dig) PASSIFLORACEAE The Giriama and Digo use the leaves to make charms against Adenia gummifera (Harv.) Harms var. gummifera evil spirits and for dressing fresh wounds. The roots are used as Mugore (Dur); Mgore/Gore (Dig) medicine for snakebites and for stomach ailments. The Duruma use the stem to make protective charms and the Digo use the roots as medicines for coughs and the common MORACEAE cold. Ficus lingua DeWild & Th. Dur. ssp. depauperata (Sim) C.C. Berg. Adenia kirkii (Mast.) Engl. Muzikaha (Gir) Chigandzi-msuhu (Dur); Mugore (Dur/Gir); Mtsotsone (Dig) The Giriama use the leaves and roots to treat spiritual ailments. The Duruma and Giriama use the stem and roots as medicines Ficus sycomorus L. for complications in menstruation. Muriro/Mudigizo (Dur); Muriro/Mugandi (Dig) Schlechterina mitostemmatoides Harms The Digo use the roots to treat toothache. Mufunga-nyama (Dur); Mwanangira (Gir) Duruma use the leaves for protective charms and Giriama use OCHNACEAE the leaves as medicines for spiritual ailments. Ochna mossambicensis Klotzsch Mucherere (Gir); Mtsometsome (Dig) The Giriama use the leaves to treat spiritual ailments. Güerke Ochna thomasiana Engl. & Gilg Mukayukayu/Mubulushi (Dur) Mwarika/Charika (Dur); Mukwalino/Mudhahabu (Gir); Mtsonga- The Duruma use the roots and leaves as a constituent of an mahana (Dig) aphrodisiac and as medicine for spiritual ailments. The Giriama and Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines to treat disorders during menstruation, to avoid miscarriage and to POLYPODIACEAE treat leprosy. Microgramma lycopodioides (L.) Copel. Chipambame (Dur) OLACACEAE The Duruma use the whole plant to make protective charms and Ximenia americana L. for love potions. Mutundukula (Dur/Gir); Mdhoto (Gir); Mtundukula (Dig) Platycerium alcicorne Desv. Syn P. vassei The Duruma and Digo use the roots as medicine for veneral dis- Mutula-manzie (Gir) eases and to treat gynaecological pains. The Giriama use the The Giriama use the whole plant as medicines for convulsions leaves and roots as medicine for veneral diseases and pieces of and for love potions. the root are chewed for toothache. RHAMNACEAE Scutia myrtina (Burm. f.) Kurz Pentarhopalopilia umbellulata (Baill.) Hiepko Mudotho (Gir); Chinyokola (Dig) Muhombo/Mufunga-mambo (Dur); Mushinda-alume (Gir) The Digo use the roots for pre-natal care. The Duruma use the roots as medicines for veneral diseases and Ziziphus mucronata Willd. ssp. mucronata children’s diseases. Mugugune (Dur/Gir) The Duruma use the roots as medicines for pre-natal care and ORCHIDACEAE the Giriama use the roots and leaves as medicine to treat infla- Aerangis kirkii (Reichb. f.) Schltr. mation. Mutula-manzie (Dur/Gir) The Giriama and Duruma use the plant to make a love potion. RUBIACEAE The Duruma use the leaves to treat convulsions. Agathisanthemum bojeri Klotzsch var. bojeri Ansellia africana Lindl. Muvundza-kesi (Dur); Kaithima (Gir); Chivuma-nyuchi/ Tengula-dzuwa (Dur); Chiahira (Dig) Chivundza-kesi (Dig) The Duruma and Digo use an extract from the stem as ear-drops. The Duruma and Digo use the leaves to make protective charms. The species is also used for a love potion. The Giriama use the leaves and roots to treat spiritual ailments. Microcoelia exilis Lindl. The Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines for pre-natal Mutula-manzie (Dur) care, convulsions and skin infections. The leaves are used to treat convulsions. The whole plant is used Canthium kilifiensis Bridson for a love potion. Mkoropha/Mtsamula-ndolwa (Dur) Solenangis wakefieldii (Rolfe) Cribb & J. Stewart The Duruma use leaves to make a love charm that induces Mutula-manzie (Dur) peace between persons. The leaves are used to treat convulsions. The species is also used for a love potion. South African Journal of Botany 2003, 69(3): 382–395 393

Catunaregam nilotica (Stapf) Tirvengadum SALVADORACEAE Mudzongodzongo/Mutengedzi (Dur); Mutsengezi/Mutengedzi Dobera loranthifolia (Warb.) Harms (Gir); Mdzongongodzongo/ Mtengedzi (Dig) Mukupha/Muswaki (Dur); Mukuha/Muswaki (Gir); Mswaki (Dig) The Duruma use the roots to make a protective charm against The Duruma and Giriama use the roots as medicines for mouth the evil eye and as a medicine for constipation. The Giriama use wounds and bad breath. a root-extract to make a charm that protects a baby from evil spir- Salvadora persica L. var. persica its. The Digo use the roots and the fruits as medicine for stomach Mrungurungu (Dur); Mujungumoto (Dur/Gir) ailments. The Duruma and Giriama use the roots as medicines for gastro- Coffea sessiliflora Bridson ssp. sessiliflora intestinal pains and septic swelling. Mudzombadzomba (Gir) The Giriama use the leaves and roots to treat spiritual ailments. SAPINDACEAE Gardenia volkensii K. Schum. ssp. volkensii Allophylus pervillei Bl. Muchimwemwe (Dur); Chimwemwe (Gir/Dig) Musuka-wongo (Dur); Munyanga-kitswa (Gir); Muvundza-kondo The Duruma use the root bark to make a charm that assists con- (Dur/Gir/Dig) ception and the leaves are used for making a good luck charm. This species is used in the same way as Allophylus rubifolius. Hymenodictyon parvifolium Oliv. ssp. parvifolium Allophylus rubifolius (A. Rich.) Engl. var. alnifolius (Bak.) Friis & Mulindi (Dur); Mukirindi (Gir) Vollesen The Duruma use the leaves and roots for tribal cleansing ritual, Musuka-wongo (Dur); Munyanga-kitswa (Gir); Muvundza-kondo and as medicines for ailments caused by sexual misconduct. (Dur/Gir/Dig) Lamprothamnus zanguebaricus Hiern The Giriama use the roots and leaves to treat severe headaches Mutsome (Dur); Munyukufu (Gir); Mtsome (Dig) and spiritual ailments. The Digo and Duruma use the roots and The Giriama use the roots and leaves to treat spiritual ailments. leaves as medicines to treat severe headaches and for pre-natal The Digo use the roots as medicines for diarrhoea. care. This species is included in different plant combinations for Psychotria amboniana K. Schum. ssp. amboniana medicines. Mukamasi (Dur) Deinbollia borbonica Scheff. The Duruma use the roots to treat convulsions. Mupalamwaka (Dur); Mdala-mwaka/Musukari; Mwenda-kuzimu Tricalysia ovalifolia Hiern var. glabrata (Oliv.) Brenan (Gir); Mpwakapwaka (Dig) Mupepo (Gir). The Duruma and Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines for The Giriama use the roots and leaves to treat spiritual ailments. septic swelling, stomach-ache, to improve penile erection and Vangueria infausta Burch. ssp. acuminata Verdc. treat diabetic problems. The Duruma use this species to treat Muviru (Dur/Dig) spiritual ailments. The Digo use the roots as medicine for pre-natal care. RUTACEAE Manilkara mochisia (Bak.) Dubard Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook. f. ex Benth. Munago (Dur/Gir); Mnago (Dig) Kalagapala-uvumba (Dur); Chilagapala/Chilagapala-uvumba The Duruma and Digo use the roots and stem bark as medicines (Dig) for coughs, colds and snakebites. The Duruma and Digo use the roots and leaves as medicines for Manilkara sulcata (Engl.) Dubard convulsions and the Digo chew the root for coughs and colds. Mwarika/Charika (Dur); Mutsedzi (Dur/Gir); Mbate- Toddaliopsis sansibarensis (Engl.) Engl. tsaka/Mutsami (Gir); Mtsedzi (Dig) Kakuro (Dur); Mukuro/Mudimi-tsaka (Gir); Chidimu-tsaka (Dig) The Duruma use the roots and leaves to treat spiritual ailments. The Duruma use the roots and leaves to avert a curse resulting The Giriama use the roots to treat coughs and the Digo use the- from sexual misconduct. The Giriama and Digo use the roots for roots to treat chest pains. snakebites and inflamation. Mimusops somaliensis Chiov. Vepris glomerata (F. Hoffm.) Engl. Mugama (Dur); Mgama (Dig) Chikuro (Dur) The Duruma use the roots as medicine for general body pains. The Duruma use the roots as medicines for colds and Sideroxylon inerme L. ssp. diospyroides (Bak.) J.H. Hemsl. snakebites. Mutunda/Mutunda-koma (Dur); Mutsami (Gir); Myongoyongo/ Vepris sp. nov. Mziyaziya/Mkoko-mwitu (Dig) Chikuro (Dur) The Giriama use the stem bark to treat chest pains and coughs. The Duruma use the roots as medicines for stomach-ache and The Digo use the roots to treat disorders in menstruation. veneral diseases. Vitellariopsis kirkii (Bak.) Dubard Zanthoxylum chalybeum Engl. var. chalybeum Chitengwa (Dur); Chilishangwe (Dur/Dig); Mkilishangwe (Dig) Mudungu (Dur/Gir); Mdungu/Mjafari (Dig) The Duruma use the roots to treat stomach ailments. The roots, stem bark and leaves are popular medicines for colds, fever, general body pains, gastric lesions and pain, urinary tract SIMAROUBACEAE infections, veneral diseases and bleeding gums. The leaves are Harrisonia abyssinica Oliv. used as an antiseptic. Mvwada-paka (Dur); Chidori (Dur/Dig); Mukidhunya (Gir) Zanthoxylum holtzianum (Engl.) Waterm. The Giriama use the leaves and roots to treat spiritual ailments Mjafari (Gir) and the Digo use the roots to treat body pains and disorders dur- The Giriama use the roots to make magical charms against ing menstruation. witchcraft spells. SOLANACEAE Solanum incanum L. s.l. Mtungudza-koma (Dur/Dig); Mtondo (Gir) The roots and fruits are commonly used to treat spiritual ailments. 394 Pakia and Cooke

STERCULIACEAE VERBENACEAE Dombeya taylori Bak. f. Clerodendrum incisum Klotzsch Mugwale/ Muchira-ng’ombe (Gir) Mukamasi (Dur); Chinuka/Mtsasa (Dig) The Giriama use the roots and leaves as medicines for stomach The Duruma use the roots and leaves to treat convulsions. ailments. Lantana camara L. Sterculia appendiculata K. Schum. Mushomoro (Dur/Gir); Mshomoro/Mjasasa (Dig) Mufune (Dur/Gir); Mfune (Dig) The Giriama use the leaves to treat spiritual ailments. The Digo The leaves are used in tribal cleansing rituals. The Duruma use use the leaves as medicine for diarrhoea. the roots as medicines for stomach ailments and hypertension. Premna chrysoclada (Boj.) Güerke The Digo and Duruma use the leaves for magical charms against Muvumo (Dur); Muvuma (Gir); Mvuma (Dig) evil spirits and for love potions. The leaves are used to make a charm that is used during tribal Sterculia rhynchocarpa K. Schum. cleansing rituals. The Duruma and Digo use the leaves as medi- Mugoza (Dur); Muoria (Gir); Mgoza (Dig) cines for blood diarrhoea, pre-natal care, convulsions and to The leaves are used in tribal cleansing rituals. The Digo use the induce conception. The Giriama use the leaves and roots to avert leaves to induce labour pains and roots as medicines for veneral witchcraft spells. diseases. Premna hildebrandtii Güerke Muurusa-pungu (Dur/Dig) STRYCHNACEAE The Duruma and Digo use the leaves and roots as medicines for Mostuea brunonis Dird. var. brunonis convulsions and diarrhoea. Kakwamba-msuhu (Dur) Premna resinosa (Hoschst.) Schauer ssp. resinosa The Duruma use the leaves to treat spiritual ailments. Kasembeka-luanda (Dur); Mbavubavu-mdide (Dig) Strychnos madagascariensis Poir. The Duruma use the roots and leaves as medicines for fever in Mukwakwa (Dur/Gir); Mkwakwa (Dig) children and for veneral diseases in adults. The Duruma use the roots as a medicine that enhances concep- Vitex mombassae Vatke tion and successful pregnancy. Mufudu-madzi (Dur/Gir); Mfudu-madzi (Dig) Strychnos spinosa Lam. The Duruma use the roots for a charm against evil spirits. Mudzaje (Dur); Muhonga (Dig) Vitex payos (Lour.) Merr. var. payos The Duruma use the roots to treat stomach ailments, pneumonia Mufudu (Dur); Mufudu-unga (Dur/Gir); Mfudu/Mfudu-unga (Dig) and asthma. The Digo use the roots to induce labour pains. The Digo use the roots as medicines for veneral diseases. Vitex strickeri Vatke & Hildebr. TILIACEAE Mupepo (Dur); Kafudu-katite/Mukichanuo (Gir) Grewia densa K. Schum. The Duruma and Giriama use the roots and leaves to treat spiri- Mukone-chibugu (Dur); Mukone-kithaa (Gir) tual ailments. The Giriama use the roots and leaves for traditional rituals and as medicines to treat spiritual curses due to sexual misconduct. VITACEAE Grewia forbesii Mast. Cissus phymatocarpa Masinde & L.E. Newton Mubavubavu (Dur/Dig); Mubavu-ng’ombe (Gir); Mubavubavu- Mudokadoka (Dur); Mtsuma-pengo/Mtsuma-pengo-utite (Gir) mkulu (Dig) The Giriama use the stem as medicine for septic swelling and as The roots are used as medicines for convulsions. ear-drops. Grewia holstii Burret Cissus quinquangularis Chiov. Mubavubavu (Dur); Mbavubavu/Msokoto (Dig) Mudokadoka (Dur); Mtsuma-pengo (Gir); Dokadoka/Mbugubugu The Duruma and Digo use the roots as medicines for spiritual ail- (Dig) ments, stomach ailments and asthma. The Giriama use the stem as medicine for septic swelling and as Grewia plagiophylla K. Schum. ear-drops. Mukone (Dur/Gir); Mkone (Dig) Cissus rotundifolia (Forssk.) Vahl var. rotundifolia The leaves, inner bark and roots are used to make protective Bugubugu (Dur); Ribugu/Mtsuma-pengo ubomu (Gir); Dokadoka/ charms and as medicines against witchcraft, diarrhoea, pre-natal Mbugubugu (Dig) and post-natal care. The Giriama use the stem as medicine for septic swelling and as Grewia truncata Mast. ear-drops. Mubavu-ng’ombe (Gir) Cissus sylvicola Masinde & L.E. Newton The Giriama use the roots and leaves as medicines for chest Bugubugu (Dur); Mtsuma-pengo (Gir); Dokadoka (Dig) pains and convulsions. The Giriama use the stem as medicine for septic swelling and as ear-drops. THYMELAEACEAE Rhoicissus revoilii Planch. Synaptolepis kirkii Oliv. Mkongoni/Mfunga-mambo/Mkororoi/Mbare (Dur); Munwa- Kakwaju-katite (Gir); Njira-mbiri/Mlunga-njira (Dig) madzi/Munyinya (Gir) The Giriama use the leaves and roots to avert witchcraft spells The Duruma use the roots as medicines for stomach-ache and and the Digo use the fruits and leaves as medicines against use the sticks to make a protective charm against witchcraft. The abdominal worm infections and convulsions. The leaves are used Giriama use the roots and leaves for a protective charm against to bandage fresh wounds. witchcraft. Rhoicissus tridentata (L. f.) Wild & Drum. URTICACEAE Mkongoni/Mbafyebafye/Mwalibugu (Dur) Urera sansibarica Engl. The Duruma use the roots to treat snakebites, stomach-ache, Lwavi-ng’ombe (Dur); Lwavi-tsaka (Gir) diarrhoea, bilharzia and complications in menstruation. The The Duruma use the leaves to make a protective charm against stem-fluid is used as ear-drops. evil spirits. The Giriama use the leaves to treat leprosy. South African Journal of Botany 2003, 69(3): 382–395 395

ZAMIACEAE ZINGIBERACEAE Encephalartos hildebrandtii A. Br. & Bouche var. hildebrandtii Siphonochilus kirkii (Hook. f.) Bak Chitsapu/Mudazi-weru/Mtikiti (Dur); Kitsapu/Kirori (Gir) Mutunguu (Gir) The Duruma use stem as medicines for septic swelling. The Giriama use the roots to treat spiritual ailments.