Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of Abaki through stories, taboos, beliefs and science.
Quick facts about Abaki
Scientific Name
Type and how it looks like
Evergreen tree with shiny dark green leaves.
Common names:
Ugandan greenheart, East African greenheart, Pepper bark tree, East African green wood, Kenya green
heart,
Other Luhya names for Abaki
- Kumusikhu(Bukusu)
- Abaki, Apachi
Interesting facts and importance of Abaki in Luhya culture
- Medicinal plant whose leaves are chewed raw or boiled in water. The bark and roots were also used to treat a range of diseases from malaria, stomach upsets, leishmaniasis, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), measles (see also kumurembe), common cold, toothache to cancer.
- The leaves of this tree have an unforgettable bitter taste that cuts the tongue and burns the mouth more than any pepper I have ever tried. It’s not one to play with.
- Abachi/kumusikhu is a tree native to Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
- A story carried in The EastAfrican has it that in Nairobi, abachi tree is believed to have lent one of Nairobi’s suburbs, Muthaiga, its name. It is known as Muthiga in Kikuyu dialect and is said to have been common in the area.
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