Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. This section of our website will introduce you to trees and their cultural meaning among the Luhya through stories, taboo and science. In particular, we will get to see how the Luhya, like most traditional African cultures, found meaning of life in nature.
Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of Amuutu through stories, taboos, beliefs and science. Quick facts about Amuutu Scientific Name Pavetta ternifolia Type and how it looks like Shrub Common names: Bride’s bush, Christmas bush Other Luhya names for Amuutu: … Read more
Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of Itikwa through stories, taboos, beliefs and science. Quick facts about Itikwa Scientific Name Rutidea orientalis Type and how it looks like A fruiting shrub or climber with strongly scented flowers in dense clusters … Read more
Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of Kabeya through stories, taboos, beliefs and science. Quick facts about Kabeya Scientific Name Oncoba routledgei Type and how it looks like Tree or shrub. Common names: Other Luhya names for Kabeya: Shirakula Interesting … Read more
Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of Irojo or Munyama through stories, taboos, beliefs and science. Quick facts about Irojo or Munyama Scientific Name Trichilia emetica Type and how it looks like Evergreen medium to large tree with handsome glossy … Read more
Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of Inoyna or Luvambo through stories, taboos, beliefs and science. Quick facts about Inoyna or Luvambo Scientific Name Nuxia congesta Type and how it looks like Quick-growing, evergreen tree or shrub with large, long-lasting … Read more
Olusiola or kumusola or uluwovu is a tree native to the lands of the people of Mulembe. In Luhya folklore, one of the patriarchs of the Bukusu nation, Maina wa Nalukale blessed his descendants as he inherited them the land occupy today: ‘May you flourish like the kumusola tree,’ he said. And flourish they did, … Read more
Kumukhendie tree (Bukusu) or Lusasari (Maragoli) is tropical flora of East Africa. As with any indeginouse tree, the cultural value of kumukhendie varies with the tribal group. For the Luhya of Kenya, in particular in the Bukusu belief system, this tree, whose scientific name is Allophylus ferr, was a much feared one. Find out why … Read more
The year 2020 was the year of the traditional circumcision among the Bukusu. In spite of earlier public health concerns over COVID-19, this important pillar of Luhya society came to pass albeit with less fanfare than usual amidst controversy. Our coverage on this cultural wonder continues with a deep dive unmasking nalulwe, a plant that … Read more
Chingayu it is among the Bukusu and Tachoni. Among the Maragoli and Wanga, it is known as Imbasi. We continue our journey through plants with cultural value among the Luhya with the story of this food plant told in three stories. One from my childhood; another by way of a prophesy from the times of … Read more
Kinagosi, plural, vinagosi is an endangered plant of the genus Euphorbia. What follows is a look at the taboos surrounding this shrub of immense cultural value to the Maragoli of Kenya. With lots of nostalgia, a story is told by old men of a particular time, circa half a century ago. It was a time … Read more
