Kakamega forest, protected area Kakamega Forest National Reserve, is known for its unique biodiversity of wild flora and fauna. Scientists have identified 93 plant families consisting of 397 species of plants comprising of 112 trees species, 62 shrubs species, 58 climber’s species, 141 herbs species and 24 ferns species. Sadly, this global treasure is under threat from human activities including those contributing to global warming. Join us as we celebrate culture and history of the Luhya people of Kenya ossified in sacred links with the plants and trees of Kakamega forest; a beautiful ancient tropical forest described by the Kenya Forest Service as: “as the eastern-most relic of the Guineo-Congolian lowland rainforest belt, which once stretched from Kenya across Uganda, East and Central Africa to the West African coast”.
Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of kumurembe (from the word mulembe) through stories, taboos, beliefs and science. Quick facts about kumurembe Kumurembe is a mythological tree with supranatural powers of healing the bodies of men, their hearts and souls. … Read more
Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of isambakhulu through stories, taboos, beliefs and science. Quick facts about Isambakhulu Scientific Name Boehmeria macrophylla Type and how it looks like Erect, flowering deciduous woody herb or shrub Common names: Often confused with … Read more
Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of embano through stories, taboos, beliefs and science. Quick facts about Embano Not to be confused with kumubano, the Bukusu word for knife. Scientific Name Dracaena fragrans Type and how it looks like Flowering … Read more
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 Warburgia ugandensis Type and how it looks like Evergreen tree with shiny dark green leaves. Common names: Ugandan greenheart, East … Read more
Join us as we learn the names of trees in Luhya. Today we get to know facts, cultural importance and uses of enguu through stories, taboos, beliefs and science. Quick facts about Enguu Scientific Name Microglossa pyri Type and how it looks like Woody shrub and climbing plant Common names: Other Luhya names for Enguu: … 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 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
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
