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
Banyan tree / Tapoq
| English Plant Name: | Banyan tree |
| Abui Plant Name: | Tapoq |
| Scientific Name: | Ficus benghalensis |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
When a young female pig gives birth, the owner could boil moldy corn or fine corn which is put in a wrapping made from coconut leaf, cook it together with the nut of the banyan tree, and feed the cooked material to the young female pig after it has given birth.
The fruit or nut of the banyan tree called tapoq can mixed with corn, cooked and eaten by humans.
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| Remarks:
Tentative |