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
Pepper / Luukaai
| English Plant Name: | Pepper |
| Abui Plant Name: | Luukaai |
| Scientific Name: | Capsicum |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
The pepper plant is used to treat ulcers. When somebody has an ulcer on their body, he/she could take a leaf of pepper plant, and adhere the leaf to the ulcer. Several hours later, the ulcer might break and the pus inside would come out.Alternatively, when somebody is in pain because of an ulcer, he/she could chew the root of the pepper plant, and spot the juice onto the ulcer to relieve the pain.
People can make sambal from pepper or sell some of it to the market.
| Remarks:
Tentative |