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
Wild fig tree / Malika
| English Plant Name: | Wild fig tree |
| Abui Plant Name: | Malika |
| Scientific Name: | Ficus |
| Etymological Reconstruction: | TBC |
It is sad that ancestors of the Abui people used to consume the red ripe fruit of the wild fig tree.The wild fig tree is a plan which is sticky/which has a lot of sap. Local men use the sap of the wild fig tree to fasten/tighten their arrows.People could feed their goats with the leaves of the wild fig tree.
| Remarks:
Tentative |