Methodology
This study combines Field Linguistics and Language Documentation methods. The team conducted field work, together with a local consultant, Mr Benediktus Delpada, to collect original and ‘first-hand’ data, documented plant species (English and Abui plant names and the scientific name). Besides looking at the medicinal properties and cultural relevance (from the perspective of the Abui people), the team also explored local myths and legends connected with the plants.
Thereafter, the team organised the data in a database which is reflected below.
| Please note that all Abui plant names, reported medical usages of plants and any associated legends or myths recorded below are the intellectual property of the Abui people. |
Collection
Sweet potato / Balee
| English Plant Name: | Sweet potato |
| Abui Plant Name: | Balee |
| Scientific Name: | Ipomoea batatas |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
Sweet potato is used as a remedy to reject illness or magic on a newborn baby. When a woman has just given birth, an older person may take some pieces of sweet potato leaf and place it under the platform where the newborn baby sleeps.
| Remarks:
Tentative |