Chapter III: Part 3

=maḍaḍafi=, Desmodium lasiocarpum, DC. (Leguminosæ); an undershrub the seeds of which are covered with minute hooked hairs which adhere to the clothing; _vide_ =ḍan kaḍafi=.

=maḍaḍafin kusu=, _vide_ =ḳarangiyar kusu=.

=maḍas= or =maḍat=, a poison usually made from =tururibi=, _q.v._ used for killing fish and vermin, as well as criminally.

=madobia=, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Poir. (Leguminosæ). An “African Rosewood” or “Bloodwood.” A large tree with yellow flowers and flat winged fruit with soft prickles. The blood-red resin from the trunk is a variety of “African Kino,” or “Dragon’s Blood,” a medicinal astringent. The bark is in some districts used as a red dye or cosmetic like =majigi=, _q.v._ where the latter is scarce.

=maga=, a var. of date; _vide_ under =ḍabino=.

=maganin kunama= (Katagum), the local name for a leguminous weed with yellow flowers and inflated pods, used as a remedy for scorpion bite; Crotalaria atrorubens, Hochst.

=magariya=, Zizyphus jujuba, Lam. (Rhamnaceæ). “Jujube Tree.” A thorny shrub, resembling =kurna=, _q.v._ with pale brown edible berries.

=magariyar kura=, Zizyphus mucronata, Willd. (Rhamnaceæ). “Buffalo-horn.” A thorny scrambling shrub with red-brown berries; not edible.

=magiumfa= (Zanfara), _vide_ =majimfa=.

=magudiya= (Kano, Sok., &c.), Polycarpæa linearifolia, DC. (Caryophylleæ). A common herb with heads of small scarious flowers; a common medicinal charm and ingredient of love-philtres, &c. (_maganin farin jini_). Syn. =fular tsofo=. _cf._ =bakin suda=. Also called =mai-nasara=, when used as a charm in hunting or war.

=mai-farin kai= (Sok.), Tricholæna rosea, Nees. var. sphacelata; a grass about 2 feet high with silvery fluffy flowering panicle.

=mai-kain dubu= (Sok.), Alternanthera sessilis, Br. (Amaranthaceæ); a prostrate weed with numerous small clusters of inconspicuous flowers.

=maikeri=, a var. of =dawa=, _q.v._

=mai-lalita=, _vide_ under =matsarmama=.

=mai-nasara=, _vide_ under =magudiya=.

=maiwa=, Pennisetum spicatum, R. and S. _var._ a var of millet; _cf._ =gero= and =damro=; less wholesome than =gero=, and said to be injurious to horses.

=maje= (Sok., &c.), Pardaniellia Oliveri, Rolfe, (Daniellia Thurifera, Bennett), “West Afr. Copaiba Balsam Tree.” Syn. =kadaura= (Kano, Zaria, &c.), _q.v._ Both names are equally well known; sometimes loosely included under the name =ḳaro=, _q.v._ _ḳaron maje_ (in Sokoto sometimes also called _ḳaron darma_) = the exuded balsam or oleo-resin, a variety of West Afr. copal, used as scent to fumigate clothing, to impart a gloss to beaten dyed cloth, &c.

=majigi=, Baphia pubescens, Hook. fil. (Leguminosæ). Camwood, a tree the wood of which is used as a red dye and cosmetic. (Also probably B. nitida, Afzel. in the south). _cf._ =madobia=.

=majimfa= or =magiumfa= (or =jimfa=), Tephrosia Vogelii, Hook. fil. (Leguminosæ); an erect shrub cultivated near houses; the leaves are much used as a poison to stupefy fish. =baina= (Kano) = the fish-poison prepared from it. _cf._ =ago=.

=majiriya= (Sok. and Kats.), or =minjiriya= (Kano, &c.), Erythrina senegalensis, DC. (Leguminosæ). “Coral Tree;” a prickly tree with brilliant scarlet flowers and 3-foliate leaves. The scarlet seeds are sometimes called =idon zakara=, _q.v._

=majiriyar kurumi= (Kano), Phyllanthus floribundus, Muell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceæ); a thorny scrambling shrub with small red berries. (The term =ḳumchi=, Sok. and Zanf. is sometimes applied to this, and more widely to any thorny thicket; _cf._ =gumbi= and =dufuwa=).

=maka= = dried bean leaves; _vide_ under =wake=.

=makafo=, =makafo da wayo=, a var. of =dawa=, _q.v._

=maḳaimi=, _vide_ =tsuwawun zaki=.

=maḳarfo=, Afrormosia laxiflora, Harms. (Leguminosæ); a hard-wooded tree with smooth bark and shining foliage; the wood is used for axe-handles, &c.; the bark and root are used medicinally. (Etym. probably _ḳarifi_—from the hardness of the wood). Sometimes also called =kariye gatari= (“break axe”). _cf._ =baḳin maḳarfo=, _vide_ =kurḍi=.

=makari=, Digitaria sp.? A grass cultivated in some districts with a small grain like =acha=, _q.v._

=makarin dafi= = any antidote to arrow-poison, usually vegetable substances containing tannin. _cf._ =bi ta ka tsira=.

=makarin faḳo=, Panicum falciferum, Trin. (Gramineæ). A wild grass 1½ to 2 feet high, with golden hairy flowering spike; seeds edible, sometimes gathered for food.

=makasar dawa= and =makasha=, _vide_ =ḳuduji=.

=makuba=, _vide_ under =ḍorowa=.

=makubar mahalba=, _vide_ under =kirni=.

=maḳworin maḳwododo=, _vide_ =ḳwododon kwaḍo=.

=malafiya= (or =marafiya=), Corchorus olitorius, L. (Tiliaceæ). “Jews’ Mallow.” One of the jute plants, cultivated in N. Nigeria more as a vegetable than for fibre. (Arab. _molukhiya_).

=malami= or =malami na mata=, Mukia scabrella, Arn. (Cucurbitaceæ); a small twiner with rough leaves and red berries resembling Bryony. (Etym. from its frequent use as a love-charm). Syn. =gautan zomo=.

=malamkochi=, _vide_ =zaḳi banza=.

=malga= or =marga=, _vide_ =gamma faḍa=.

=malle=, =m. kabi=, =m. mama=, =m. Zanfara=; varieties of =dawa=, _q.v._

=malmo=, Eugenia owariensis, Beauv. (Myrtaceæ); an evergreen tree with fragrant flowers and leaves, and black or purple berries; common by streams and pools.

=mangoro=, the name given to the mango, Mangifera indica, Linn. (Anacardiaceæ).

=manta uwa=, 1. A medicine given to a child at weaning, or to prevent a slave running away (etym. “forget mother”); the name is applied to several plants; (in Katagum the species was Crotalaria arenaria, R. Br. Leguminosæ, a low weed with small yellow flowers and inflated pods). 2. A name for some epiphytic orchids, e.g. Ansellia congoensis, Rodiges, &c. (etym. because growing on trees away from the ground). _vide_ =muruchin bissa=.

=marafiya=, _vide_ =malafiya=.

=maraguwa=, _vide_ =ḳini=.

=marasiri=, _vide_ under =riḍi=.

=marga= or =malga=, _vide_ =gamma faḍa=.

=mariḳe=, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Guill. et Perr. (Combretaceæ). A tree with small pale leaves and balls of whitish flowers; a good timber; it yields a soluble gum; the fruit is used as a vermifuge for horses, &c. “Chew-stick Tree.” =ḍan marike= (Katagum, &c.), Indigofera secundiflora, Poir. (Leguminosæ). A weed or low undershrub with pale pinnate leaves covered with a gummy glandular secretion.

=marin kusu=, Pupalia lappacea, Juss. (Amaranthaceæ); a straggling spiny weed of waste places, resembling =ḳaimin ḳadangare=, _q.v._ (Etym. “mouse’s irons”).

=marmare=, a var. of =dawa=, _q.v._

=marsa=, a var. of kola nut; _vide_ under =goro=.

=masaki=, a large calabash; _vide_ under =duma=.

=masakowa= or =mazakwa=, a dry-season var. of Guinea-Corn; _vide_ under =dawa=.

=masara=, Zea Mays, Linn. (Gramineæ). Maize. Indian Corn. Varieties are:—_m. wada_, a dwarf variety; _m. Fulani_; _m. kwona_, tall with about 3 corn cobs with large white grain; _kain masara_ or _maburkaki_ = the terminal male inflorescence; _goyon masara_ = the lateral fruiting spike or mealie cob; _toton masara_ (Sok.), or _kututu_ (Kano and East) = the cob after removal of seeds, used to make pipe-stems.

=mashayi=, Clerodendron capitatum, Sch. and Thonn. (Verbenaceæ). A shrub with bunches of tubular white flowers and purple berries; the pithy branches are used for pipe-stems. Etym. instrument used for smoking; _cf. syn._ =tataba= (Sok.).

=mashin zomo=, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Linn. (Filices). “Adder’s tongue fern,” a small fern with simple leaf and erect fruiting spike. (Etym. “hare’s spear”).

=masoro=, “West Afr. Black Pepper,” “Benin Pepper;” small dried berries sold for spice and medicinal use; the fruit of Piper Clusii, Cas. DC. (?P. guineense, Piperaceæ); a climbing plant on trees in the South.

=masun ḳadangare=, _vide_ =tsatsarar ḅera=.

=matakashi=, a plant resembling _sesame_ (_vide_ =riḍi=); used for soup.

=matsagi= or =matsatsagi=, _vide_ =jirga=.

=matsarmama=, Physalis angulata, L. and P. minima, L. (Solanaceæ); common weeds of waste places with inflated calyx enclosing a small berry; (related to the Cape Gooseberry, P. peruviana); used medicinally. Etym. _matsarmama_ = gall-bladder; also called =mai-lalita=—_lalita_ = a small leather pouch. Syn. ?=domashin maza= (Katag.).

=maye=, _vide_ under =shiwaka=.

=mazakwa=, a dry-season var. of Guinea Corn; _vide_ under =dawa=.

=mazarin kyanwa=, an insect-gall on the grass =katsaimu=, _q.v._

=meḍi=, a fibre from the root-bark of the shrub =ḍunḍu=, _q.v._ and from other acacias, root of the “dum” palm &c. _cf._ =yawa=, and _vide_ =ḍakwora=, =goriba=, &c. Used for network bags, &c., mending calabashes, &c.

=mijin kaḍai=, _vide_ under =kaḍanya=.

=mijin goro=, _vide_ under =goro=.

=minjiriya=, _vide_ =majiriya=.

=minu=, the smallest kola nuts, _vide_ under =goro=.

=miya tsanya= (Sok. and Kats.), Sida rhombifolia, L. (Malvaceæ); an undershrub or perennial weed with small yellow flowers and a fibrous bark. (Etym. “grasshoppers’ greens”). It is one of the plants included in =kaskaifi=, _q.v._

=moda=, Sansevieria sp. (Liliaceæ). “African Bowstring Hemp;” a stemless plant with long straight mottled leaves affording a useful fibre; root and leaf used medicinally.

=murli= = the unexpanded fronds of any palm (_kwakwa_, _giginya_, _goriba_, _tukuruwa_). _shedari_ = a mat made from _murlin giginya_.

=murtsunguwa=, a long-leaved stemless plant, sometimes added to arrow-poison. Syn. ?=gunguma=.

=muruchi=, the young germinating shoots of the Fan Palm, _vide_ =giginya=, used as a vegetable.

=muruchin bisa= or =m. sama=, a name for several species of orchid, growing as epiphytes on trees,—Ansellia congoensis and other spp. _vide_ =manta uwa=.

=muruchin daji=, a name for some ground orchids with long straight leaves; usually Habenaria spp. growing in wet places.

=muruchin jibba= or =m. jibji=, a species of fungus; _vide_ under =tumukun suri=.

=muruchin makaruwa=, Curculigo gallabatensis, Schweinf. (Amaryllideæ). A stemless plant with straight grass-like leaves, yellow flowers, and a thickened root-stock; syn. =doyar kurege=.

=N=

=naman kaza= (=naman angulu=, &c.), Agaricus campestris, the edible mushroom. (Etym. from the pale fleshy appearance of the cut surface, but sometimes also called =naman ḳassa=).

=nanafo=, Celosia trigyna, Linn. (Amaranthaceæ). An erect weed with white scarious flowers. Used as a medicine for tapeworm, &c.

=nanare= (Sok.), _vide_ under =shinkafa=.

=nanake=, Aspilia Kotschyi, Benth. and Hook. (Compositæ). A plant in the bush with rough foliage and deep purple flowers.

=nata=, _vide_ under =goro=.

=nobe=, Cymbopogon sennariensis, var. proximus, Stapf (Gramineæ). A fragrant grass, 2 to 3 feet high, with very narrow leaves; much used for thatch. _cf._ =tsabre=.

=nome= (Sok., &c.), Sesamum indicum, Linn. Sesame or Beni seed; _vide_ =riḍi=.

=nonon ḅariya=, Lactuca taraxacifolia, Sch. and Thonn. (Compositæ). A field weed with pale yellow flowers and milky juice. (_ḅariya_ = a species of gazelle).

=nonon giwa=, _vide_ =rahaina=.

=nonon gwanki=, Ficus sp. A tree of the fig tribe with milky juice.

=nonon kura=, Cucumis metuliferus, E. Mey. (Cucurbitaceæ). A climber with a cucumber-shaped fruit covered with large spines, scarlet when ripe. Also called =buran zaki=.

=nonon kurchiya=, Euphorbia hirta, Linn. (= E. pilulifera, &c.), a prostrate weed with clusters of small inconspicuous flowers and milky juice; used medicinally. (Allied species are included, e.g. E. convolvuloides, Hochst. &c.)

=nunu= (Sok. and Kano), the fruit of the tree =danya=, _q.v._

=P=

=parpatsi= or =farfatsi=, _vide_ =dandana=.

=pasa daga=, _vide_ =fasa daga=.

=pasa ḳabba=, _vide_ =fasa ḳabba=.

=pasa ḳwari=, _vide_ =fasa ḳwari=.

=piyaka= or =fiyaka=, _vide_ =jibda ḳassa=.

=punkaso=, _vide_ under =alkama=.

=R=

=Raḅa=, Cyanotis lanata, Benth. (Commelynaceæ); a somewhat succulent herb growing amongst grass, which is said to cause eczema of horses’ muzzles. (Etym. from _raḅa_ = dew, which is supposed to have a similar effect).

=rahaina=, Kigelia æthiopica, Decne, var. bornuensis, Sprague (Bignoniaceæ). “Sausage-tree.” A large shade tree with pendulous lurid purple flowers, and huge cucumber-shaped fruit. Syn. =rawuya= (Sok.), and =nonon giwa=.

=rai ḍore=, Cassia occidentalis, Linn. (Leguminosæ). An erect shrubby plant with pinnate leaves and yellow flowers, of the senna tribe; used medicinally for fevers, &c. (Etym. from attributed restorative powers). Syn. =sanga sanga= (Sok. and West), and =Ba-Zanfare= (Katagum and East).

=rake= (Kano, &c.), (Saccharum officinarum), Linn. (Gramineæ). One of the species of sugar-cane, grown near streams; =arakke= (Sok.). Called also =karan sariki=. _cf._ =takanḍa=.

=raken giwa= (or =takanḍar giwa=), Peucedanum sp. (Umbelliferæ); a shrub with pinnate leaves and fragrant sap; used as a scented fumigation for clothing. _cf._ =takanḍar giwa=.

=rama=, Hibiscus cannabinus, Linn. (Malvaceæ), and perhaps H. lunariifolius, Willd. “Bastard Jute,” “Indian Hemp.” A tall straight annual grown for its bark fibre from which cordage is made; leaves acid, used in soup. Black, white and red varieties are recognized according to the tint of the bark—_jar rama_, _farar rama_; _ḳare aiki_ (Sok.), with black and red varieties (etym. because considered the last agricultural labour of the season); or _koka rani_ (Katsina), and _dirin da rani_ (Kano), _jirin da rani_ (Bauchi), _ganwon rama_ = coil of _rama_ bark or fibre. _ḍinkin rama_ = leaves of _rama_ used for soup; _vide_ under _ḍinya_. _ḳeḳasheshe_ or _tsiyayi_ = peeled stems of _rama_, used in medicine in occult practice and as a sooty application when burnt applied for mural decoration. _ramar rafi_, &c. wild varieties of the same botanical species; _vide_ _ḳarama mowa_. _ramar kurumi_, _vide_ _kwankwarimi_; _rama rama_, _vide_ _ramaniya_.

=ramaniya= (Sok. Kats., &c.), Urena lobata, Linn. (Malvaceæ). A hard erect shrub, 2 to 3 feet high with pink flowers; the bark yields a strong fibre. Syn. =rama rama=, or =ka fi rama=; (=baḳin garamani= and =jan tsu=, _vide_ under =garamani= and =tsu=). _cf._ also =uwar maganni=.

=ramno= (Sok.), or =rauno= (Kano), chopped grass mixed with building clay to act as mortar. _cf._ =jan raumo=.

=rapasa=, _vide_ under =ḳurar shanu=.

=rariyar ḳassa= (Kontagora), Chrysanthellum procumbens, Pers. (Compositæ); a small wayside weed with yellow flowers.

=rauma fada=, _vide_ =roma fada=.

=rawaya=, Cochlospermum tinctorium, Rich. (Bixaceæ); a common shrub with yellow rose-like flowers and a yellow root used as a dye and in cooking. Syn. zunzuna.

=rawuya=, _vide_ =rahaina=.

=riḍi=, or =liḍi=, Sesamum indicum, Linn. (Pedaliaceæ). Sesame, Gingelly, Beni Seed. _Simsim_ (Arab.). An annual with white or red flowers, cultivated for its oily seeds; leaves and seeds used as food. Syn. =nome=, _cf._ =karkashi=. _marasiri_ (Ful. West) = sesamum porridge. _samsam_ or _samsamum_ (Arab. _simsim_), an extract probably of sesame, used as an eye medicine.

=riḍin barewa= or =nomen barewa=, Sesamum alatum, Thonn. (Pedaliaceæ). A wild species with divided leaves and beaked pods; not eaten.

=riḍin kada=, _vide_ =ḍeiḍoyar kare=.

=riḍin tuji=, Fimbristylis exilis, R. and S. (Cyperaceæ). A small sedge; _vide_ =gemen kusu=.

=rigyar biri=, _vide_ =tsuwawun biri=.

=rigya kafi= (Sok.), a native prescription and reputed remedy for syphilis composed of the plants =damaigi=, =fara biya rana=, =fasa ḳabba= and =ḳuru ḳuru=, _q.v._

=rimani= = the fruit of the pomegranate, Punica Granatum, L. _cf._ =ruman=, the flowers of the same.

=rimi= (Kano, &c.) or =rini= (Sok.), Eriodendron orientale, Steud. (Malvaceæ). White Silk Cotton Tree. The silky floss around the seeds forms the upholstery material called “Kapok;” =rimin Masar=, a variety without thorns on the branches when young, and with a superior cotton.

=rimin agwada=, Sopubia simplex, Hochst. and other spp. (Scrophularineæ). An erect herb in the bush with narrow leaves and pink flowers. (_agwada_ = Rock dassie, Procavia sp.).

=rimin samari=, Oldenlandia grandiflora, Hiern. (Rubiaceæ). A common slender-branched herb of fields and waste places, with bright red 4-partite flowers. Also O. senegalensis, Hiern. a similar plant with smaller less conspicuous flowers. Used as a love-potion or charm for popularity.

=rimni= (Sok.), Salix sp. (Salicaceæ). A common species of willow on river-banks. Syn. =ba ruwana=, _q.v._

=risga=, a cultivated plant with an edible tuber. Plectranthus sp. (Labiatæ); like the “Kaffir Potato,” P. esculentus, N.E. Br.

=risgar kurege=, Asclepias lineolata, Schl. (Asclepiadeæ). A shrub with milky juice and umbels of purple flowers; the spindle-shaped root tubers are used medicinally.

=roba=, Panicum pyramidale, Lam. (Gramineæ). A tall grass of marshy places; (probably applied to several grasses).

=rogo=, Manihot palmata, Muell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceæ). Sweet Cassava or Manioc; and Manihot utilissima, Pohl. Bitter Cassava. The former or non-poisonous species is the one chiefly cultivated in Nigeria, _cf._ =ḳarasa=. _rogon sabara_ or _r. magariya_ (Sok.) are terms used for Cassava grown in arid areas (=sabara= and =magariya=, _q.v._ being shrubs of dry scrub districts).

=rogon biri=, _vide_ =ḳosain rogo=.

=rogon daji=, a species of vine with thickened roots; _vide_ =tsibiri kinkini=; (also applied to other twiners with thickened roots, e.g. a wild species of yam, Dioscorea sp., a species of Clematis, &c.).

=rojiya= or =lojiya=, a perennial herb (Asclepiadeæ), with long narrow leaves milky juice and an edible succulent tuberous root-stock. _rojiyar mahalba_, Xysmalobium Heudelotianum, Decne (Asclepiadeæ); a somewhat similar plant with milky juice, short leaves, lateral umbels of small flowers, and a harder tuberous root edible when cooked. (The names _bauje_, _saniya_ and _daiyo_, probably refer to the same or allied Asclepiad plants or “Milkweeds,” with tuberous roots, e.g. Schizoglossum Petherickianum, Oliv. which has short broad leaves and umbels of white flowers).

=roko=, a var. of bean; _vide_ under =wake=.

=rubiya= or =lubiya= = the edible figs of several species of Ficus:—=ḅaure=, =cheḍiya=, =durumi=, =gamji=, _q.v._ (The name is sometimes extended to include other fruits of similar shape, &c. e.g. dates, the grapes of =dafara=, _q.v._, &c.).

=ruguguwa=, _vide_ under =kabewa=.

=ruḳuḅu=, _vide_ =zaḳi banza=.

=roma fada= or =rauma fada=, Scoparia dulcis, L. (Scrophularineæ). “Sweet Broom Weed.” A common herb with small white flowers. (Etym. from use as a charm to ensure “court favour;” _roma_ = _rakiya_, to act as companion or sponsor). _namijin roma fada_, Heliotropium zeylanicum, Lam. (Boragineæ); a weed used medicinally; _vide_ under =Gwanja kusa=; (probably applied to several plants with some resemblance to =roma fada=).

=ruman= = flowers of pomegranate; _vide_ =rimani=; (_ruman_, the Indian name).

=rumana=, Gladiolus spicatus, Klatt. G. quartinianus, A. Rich. G. unguiculatus, Baker, and other species (Irideæ). Common gladioli with edible corms.

_rumanan doki_, a plant with a larger bulb used as a medicine for horses. A large species in the Benué district is sold for making a sweet food _kunun zaḳi_.

=rumaya=, a slender grass with tough stems, used for cordage, tying thatch, &c.

=rumfar gada=, Cassytha guineensis, Sch. et Thon. (Lauraceæ), a parasitic leafless and rootless twiner like dodder, with wiry stems and small clusters of white flowers and berries. Syn. ?=siliyar sulkuwa=.

=runhu= or =rumfu=, Cassia goratensis, Fres. (Leguminosæ); a small tree with yellow flowers; an infusion of the leaves and pods is used as a wash in parturition, and for fever. _cf._ =rai ḍore=.

=rura=, Parinarium curatellæfolium, Planch. (Rosaceæ); a small tree with an edible mealy pear-shaped fruit; _vide_ under =Gwanja kusa= and =ḳaiḳai=.

=S=

=sa baba sata=, a species of cultivated bean; ?the “yam bean,” _vide_ =giri giri=.

=saḅada= or =safada=, _vide_ under =ḍorowa=.

=sabani=, Tephrosia elongata, Hook. (Leguminosæ); a tall slender plant with pink flowers and pinnate leaves; used as a medicinal charm. Syn. =samachi=. (Etym. “rupture of friendship”—if a leaflet be sharply pulled apart it tears in a forked manner suggesting the parting of roads or disagreement, such as occurs when one challenges another to split it straight), _cf._ =shege=.

=sabara=, Guiera senegalensis, Lam. (Combretaceæ). A shrub with whitish dusty-looking leaves, very abundant in dry infertile regions; a typical plant of dry scrub localities with a small rainfall. Leaves used in various ways as medicine and also as food in some northern districts; burnt to fumigate cattle-pens, &c. to keep off flies; as _maganin rongomi_ by women after parturition; in Sokoto a recognized prophylactic of leprosy; &c., &c.

=saḅi=, _vide_ =baya=, Panicum albidulum, Kunth. (Gramineæ). A wild grass with edible grain gathered by sweeping a calabash across the heads. (Etym. from the method of gathering _saḅi_, and thus perhaps applied to more than one species). _cf._ =garaji=.

=saḅi= or =shiḅa= = carded cotton; _vide_ under =abduga=.

=sabko= (or =sauko=) =bubukuwa=, _vide_ =bubukuwa=.

=sabulun kuyangi=, Zornia diphylla, Pers. (Leguminosæ), a low herb with paired leaflets; sometimes used as fodder and medicinally; said to form a slight lather with water. (Etym. “slaves’ soap”). Syn. =sabulun sallo=.

=sabulum mata= (Sok. Zanf. and Kats.), Vernonia primulina, O. Hoffm. (Compositæ). An erect plant, 1 to 2 feet high, with blue thistle-like flowers. Syn. =tozalin kura=.

=safa= (Sok.), or =shafa= (Kano and East), spring onion; _vide_ =albasa=.

=sa furfura= (Sok.), Crotalaria polychotoma, Taub. (Leguminosæ). A small herb with yellow flowers and pale pubescent leaves; supposed, if accidentally given to an infant, to cause the hair to turn grey before puberty. ?Syn. =yauki=, _q.v._

=sagagi= (Katagum), Indigofera simplicifolia, Lam. (Leguminosæ). A stiff-branched undershrub with small narrow pods.

=sa hankaki dako=, Polygala arenaria, Willd. (Polygalaceæ). A small field herb, used medicinally in cases of serious internal disease, syphilis, &c. (Etym. “cause the crows to wait,” because supposed to be very poisonous). Syn. =sha ni ka san ni=; and =gujiyar dawaki= (Zanfara).

=sainya= (Kano, Kats., &c.), Securidaca longipedunculata, Fres. (Polygalaceæ). A shrub with purple flowers and a winged seed. The root has a rank smell and is used medicinally in many ways, as a purge, worn as a charm, &c. Syn. =uwar magunguna= (Sok., &c.—“mother of medicines”). It is an occasional ingredient in some prescriptions for arrow-poison.

=sakata=, a var. of yam, said to be inferior to others and not used for _sokwara_. (Dioscorea alata, L.). _cf._ =doya=.

=salla=, _vide_ =shalla=.

=samachi=, _vide_ =sabani=.

=samarin danga=, a name for the tree Moringa pterygosperma (_vide_ =zogalagandi=), because commonly planted as a compound fence.

=sambara= = =dawa= or =gero=, &c. half-grown at harvest, and left to mature later.

=samberu=, a tree the leaves of which are poisonous to cattle.

=samsam=, _vide_ under =riḍi=.

=sandalu=, _vide_ under =goro=.

=sandan biri=, =s. dutsi=, or =s. yan bori=, _vide_ under =giginyar biri=.

=sandan mayu=, a name for more than one tree with magical uses; _vide_ under =bakin mutum= and =dawo=.

=sanga sanga= (Sok. and West), Cassia occidentalis, Linn. Syn. =rai ḍore=, _q.v._

=saniya=, an Asclepiad plant with milky sap; _vide_ under =rojiya= and =tafo ka sha mama=.

=sankachen dawa=, =s. gero= = corn reaped and laid out in lines to dry.

=sankwo= (Kano), Syncolostemon ocymoides, Sch. et Thon. (Labiatæ); a wild herb related to =tumuku=, _q.v._ with wrinkled leaves, spikes of deep red flowers, and a tuberous root. Syn. =tumukun biri=.

=sansami= (or =sasămi=), Stereospermum Kunthianum, Cham. (Bignoniaceæ). A small tree with smooth bark, beautiful pink flowers and long narrow pendulous pods. The bark is used medicinally. Syn. =jiri=. (This tree is apparently held in much respect; in Sokoto, &c. called _ḍan sarikin itatuwa_, and not cut for firewood). _kauchin sansami_, the parasitic plant Loranthus (_vide_ =kauchi=), when growing on this species is considered a lucky find.

=farin sansami=, _vide_ =shunin biri=, and =halshen sa=.

=sansami= (Sok. and Kats.) = foliage.

=sansari=, _vide_ under =kyamro=.

=sarakuwar sauro= (Katsina, &c.), Leucas martinicensis, R. Br. (Labiatæ); an odorous weed with whorls of small white flowers. (Etym. because supposed to be incompatible with mosquitoes). Syn. =ḍeiḍoyar gona=.

=saran waga=, _vide_ under =goro=.

=sarawan goro=, _cf._ proverb _sarawan goro a zanche ni_—2 calabashes of kola nuts being bought by two persons are divided for fairness into equal halves, either buyer taking one-half of each.

=sare gwiwa=, Hygrophila spinosa, T. Anders. (Acanthaceæ); an erect hard plant of damp places with blue flowers and long spines. (Etym. “prick the knee”). Syn. =zazar giwa=, and =dayin giwa=.

=sarikin jibji= (=s. juji=), _vide_ under =fasa ḳabba= and =babba juji=. (Species of Boerhaavia, Trianthema, and Portulaca are all somewhat succulent weeds of waste places and rubbish heaps, and their names are often interchangeable).

=sarḳaḳiya=, Dichrostachys platycarpa, Welw. (Leguminosæ); a very thorny scrambling shrub in the bush forming dense thickets; a sort of “wait a bit thorn.” Sometimes loosely called =dufuwa=, =baḳin gumbi= and =ḳumchi=, _q.v._

=sarri=? (Bauchi), a plant used as a neutralizing bath in tanning leather. (? = =katsari=).

=sasabani= (Hadeija, &c.), Parkinsonia aculeata, L. (Leguminosæ). “Jerusalem Thorn.” (Arab. _sasaban_, Sesbania ægyptica, Poir.). An exotic tree with yellow flowers and narrow pinnate leaves, planted in towns. In Sokoto called by the Ful. name _sharan labbi_. _cf._ =alambo=.

=sawaye=, _vide_ under =abduga=.

=sawu dubu=, Ipomœa dissecta, Willd. (Convolvulaceæ). A small ground trailer with white flowers and deeply divided leaves. (Etym. “1000 foot-prints,” from the numerous dissect leaves).

=sawun gauraka=, _vide_ =ḳafar fakara=.

=sawun gwanki=, a flat-leaved stemless herb, used as a medicine for hunters.

=shafa= (Kano), or =safa= (Sok.). A variety of onion; _vide_ =albasa=.

=shair= (Arab.), Hordeum sativum, Pers. Barley; rarely grown in N. Nigeria.

=sha ka sani=, _vide_ =sa hankaki dako=.

=shalla= (Kano and East), or =salla= (Sok.). A tall reed with light stems growing in marshes in the north; stems used for screens called _feḍḍa_, &c. A bulrush. Typha australis, Sch. and Thonn. _bambana_ = the flowering or fruiting head, called also _geron tsuntsaye_ (Kano), or _tumun shalla_. _laka_ = the soft edible core of the immature flowering head.

=shamrayi=, _vide_ =karan kabau=.

=shanshera=, unhusked rice; _vide_ under =shinkafa=.

=shantu=, a long narrow var. of the bottle-gourd; _vide_ under =duma=.

=sharan labbi= (Sok. Ful.), _vide_ =sasabani=.

=sha shatau=, a malam’s charm to secure favour, hence applied to some plants with a similar use, e.g. Jussiæa villosa, Lam. (Onagraceæ), an erect weed of wet places with yellow flowers, used as a medicine or charm by wrong-doing slaves and others. (Etym. _shashasha_ = simpleton or irresponsible person who is treated with lenient ridicule rather than seriously).

=shedari=, a mat made from the unexpanded fronds of the Fan Palm, _vide_ =giginya= and =murli=.

=shege=, a term similar to =sabani=, _q.v._ applied to several leguminous weeds with leaves which tear in an irregular manner.

=sheḳani= or =sheḳar zomo=, Vernonia sp. near V. pumila, (Compositæ); a low herb with thistle-like flower and broad flat leaves; the root-tubers are bitter and used medicinally for venereal and other diseases. (Syn. =ba gashi=? Kontagora—from the bristly pappus).

=sheme=, _vide_ =kyamro=.

=shiḅa= or =saḅi= = carded cotton; _vide_ under =abduga=.

=shibra= or =shura=, _vide_ under =gero=.

=shinaka= (Sok. Kats., &c.), Ctenium elegans, Kunth. (Gramineæ). A grass about 2 feet high with a single one-sided bristly flower-spike. Syn. =wutsiyar kusu=. (The name includes the similar species Schœnefeldia gracilis, Kunth. with several one-sided flower-spikes). Used in thatching.

=shinkafa=, Oryza sativa, Linn. (Gramineæ). Rice; cultivated in marshes and inundated localities. _shanshera_ or _burungu_ = rice grain in the husk; _ḍanyen gumi_ = husked but unboiled rice; _gumi_ = husked rice boiled and dried; _bawu_ (Sok. Ful.?), or _shinkafa wutsiya_ = rice unsown but growing sporadically from fallen grains; often harvested and eaten.

=shinkafe=, or =lalaki= (Sok.), Oryza silvestris, Stapf. Wild Rice; common in marshes and pools; much used for thatch and eaten in scarcity; (= Ful. _nanare_, name used equally by Hausas in Sokoto). Syn. =shinkafar rishi= (Katsina and East; _rishi_ = wart-hog, _gadu_ or _mugun dăwa_, which eats the roots).

=shirinya=, Ficus sp. (Urticaceæ). Narrow-leaved fig-tree. A large tree with milky juice and small figs. Syn. =shiriya= (Sok.).

=shiwaka=, Vernonia amygdalina, Delile (Compositæ). A shrub with whitish flowers, wild and commonly planted in compounds; the root is used as a tooth-stick and bitter tonic, and the leaves medicinally in various ways. _maye_ (Sok.), or _fatte_ (Kano), or _fate fate_ (East Hausa), is a secret medicine of women, prepared from the leaves along with other native drugs.

=shiwakar jan garigari=, a shrub with bitter properties like the above. (Etym. because said to grow in places of red soil). Anaphrenium pulcherrimum, Schweinf. (Anacardiaceæ), and probably others.

=shuni=, prepared indigo; the blue dye-stuff extracted from =baba=, usually sold as blue cones or lumps.

=shunin biri= (Kontagora), Lonchocarpus laxiflorus, G. et P. (Leguminosæ). A small tree with bunches of purple flowers. Syn. =farin sansami= (Sok. and Kats.), =halshen sa= (Zanfara). In some pagan districts this is called =babar talaki=, and used as a dye; _vide_ =talaki=.

=shura= or =shibra=, _vide_ under =gero=.

=siliyar sulkuwa=, _vide_ under =rumfar gada=.

=siyayi= or =tsiyayi= = =ḳeḳasheshe=; _vide_ under =rama=.

=soso=, Luffa ægyptiaca, Mill. (Cucurbitaceæ). “Loofah gourd;” a climber with yellow flowers and cucumber-shaped fruit with a fibrous vascular skeleton used as a scrubber or strainer, &c. Pulp of immature fruit eaten cooked. _soson yama_, Luffa acutangula, Roxb. a species with larger fruit with longitudinal ridges; (called also _soson wanka_, because more used as a loofah in washing).

=subtu= or =sutu=; cotton before carding, pulled by hand after removal of the seeds by a roller on a stone; _vide_ under =abduga=.

=sunasar= = a food made from wheat; _vide_ under =alkama=.

=sure= (Sok.) = =yakuwa=, _q.v._ Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Linn. “Red Sorrel.”

=suren fadama= (Sok.), Triumfetta pentandra, A. Rich. (Tiliaceæ); an erect branching undershrub with small echinate fruits which adhere to the clothing; _vide_ =ḍan kaḍafi=. The leaves are sometimes used as _chusar doki_; _vide_ under =kuka=.

=surendi=, _vide_ =dayi=.

=sutura=, a species of Euphorbia with milky juice; called also =tutar yan sariki=; (_vide_ also under =zaḳami=).

=T=

=Taba=, Nicotiana tabacum, Linn. (Solanaceæ). Tobacco. Cultivated in most parts of _N. Nigeria_ in alluvial soil; used for smoking and in the form of powder for chewing and as snuff. Flowers rubbed on the teeth while chewing certain varieties of kola nut, to give a red colour; _fure_ = a flower, when unqualified generally means tobacco flowers.

=taḅa ni ka samu=, a name applied to several trees affording useful products; e.g. Ficus Vogelii, Miq. of which the latex forms a variety of rubber. _cf._ =kurnan nasara=, and =zogalagandi=.

=tabar angulu=, =tabar kura=, a species of fungus; _vide_ =tumukun suri=.

=tabarman zomo=, _vide_ =takalmin zomo=.

=tafarnuwa=, Allium sativum, Linn. (Liliaceæ). Garlic. Cultivated like the onion; _vide_ =albasa=, from which it differs in having flat leaves (hollow or fistular in the onion), and the bulb divided into several lesser bulblets. Only used as a medicine, commonly for fevers and stomach complaints.

=tafasa=, Cassia tora, Linn. (Leguminosæ). An undershrub of the senna tribe with yellow flowers; leaves used in soup and as a mild laxative.

=tafashia=, Sarcocephalus Russegeri, Kotschy (Rubiaceæ). A shrub with large balls of white flowers and a red edible fruit; bark and root used medicinally; a common “Chew-stick.”

=tafo ka sha mamarka=, Schizoglossum sp. nr. S. Petherickianum, Oliv. (Asclepiadeæ). A small herb with umbels of white flowers and milky juice. (Etym. “come and take the breast;” probably used for others of the same Natural Order, the “milkweed” family; _vide_ =tatarida=, =saniya=, and =rojiya=.)

=taga rana=, _vide_ =idon zakara=.

=takalmin zomo= (Kano, Sok., &c.), Cadalvena Dalzielii, C. H. Wright (Scitamineæ). A low stemless herb of the ginger family, with 4 flat succulent leaves and yellow flowers. Syn. =tabarman zomo= (Zaria), and =kunnen zomo=.

=takaluwa=, a synonym for =daddawa=, _q.v._

=takanḍa=, Sorghum vulgare, _var._ saccharatum (Gramineæ). One of the species of sugar-cane; grown like Guinea Corn to which it is botanically akin. _cf._ =rake=.

=takanḍar giwa= (Kats. Sok. and Zanf.), Hannoa undulata, Planch. (Simarubeæ). A tree with pinnate leaves, white fragrant blossoms and black plum-like fruit. Syn. =namijin gwabsa= (Kontagora, &c.). N.B. In many districts the name is applied to the tree Cussonia nigerica, Hutch. or =gwabsa=, _q.v._ _cf._ also =raken giwa=.

=takeyi=, _vide_ under =kuḅewa=.

=talaki= or =talakin Yarubawa=, Lonchocarpus cyanescens, Benth. (Leguminosæ). “West African Indigo.” “Yoruba Wild Indigo.” A woody climber. The indigo dye prepared from the leaves, better than that from =baba=, is imported into N. Nigeria (e.g. to Sokoto from Illorin), and dyeing is done in pots not in pits. _vide_ also =shunin biri=.

=taliya=, a sort of macaroni made from flour of =alkama=, _q.v._ (Etym. probably from Italy).

=tamangaji=, _vide_ under =gero=.

=tamaseki=, _vide_ under =baba=.

=tamba=, Eleusine corocana, Gaertn. (Gramineæ). A grass about 2 feet high, wild and cultivated as a kind of millet; flowering head with many crowded rays, “Kurakan”—Ceylon; “Marua” or “Ragi” Millet—India.

=tambari=, a herb; ?Grangea maderaspatana, Poir. (Compositæ). A weed with small solid heads of yellow flowers and divided leaves.

=tamna geḍa=, a small var. of water-melon; _vide_ under =guna=.

=tamraro= or =tauraro=, Anthericum sp. (Liliaceæ). A small liliaceous plant with yellowish stems and white flowers opening in the evening; somewhat resembling “Star of Bethlehem.” (Etym. “star.”). In Zanfara used also for Cyanotis cæspitosa, Kotschy. et Peyr. (Commelynaceæ), a small stemless plant with azure blue flowers (and probably other species).

=tandara=, _vide_ =idon zakara=.

=tankwa= (Sok.), red pepper; _vide_ =barkono=.

=tantaroba=, Indigofera diphylla, Vent. (Leguminosæ). A low spreading herb with 2-foliate leaves and pink flowers; used medicinally.

=tantsiya=, _vide_ =kwankwani=.

=taramniya=, Combretum verticillatum, Eng. and Diels, and several other species (Combretaceæ). A tree with white spikes of flowers and 4-winged fruit; a source of gum. (C. geitonophyllum, Diels, and others).

=tara yaya=, _vide_ =giginyar biri=.

=tarin gida= (Sok., &c.), Glossonema nubicum, Decne. (Asclepiadeæ). A low branched herb of fields and waste places in the north, with milky juice and follicles covered with soft prickles. Syn. =tatarida=. (Etym. of both names from the pods crowded to bursting with silky seeds). Sometimes called =tafo ka sha mama=, _q.v._ Eaten by goats and capable of being used as a vegetable.

=tarnekuwa=, a var. of =gero=, _q.v._

=taru=, Combretum herbaceum, Don. (Combretaceæ). A low undershrub with 4-winged fruit and hard root (hence also called =kariye galma=, _q.v._, or “break hoe”).

=tasshi=, _vide_ under =gawo=.

=tataba= (Sok.). Syn. =mashayi=, _q.v._

=tatarida=, _vide_ =tarin gida=.

=tatasai=, large chillie peppers; _vide_ under =barkono=.

=taura=, Detarium senegalense, Gmel. (Leguminosæ). A small tree with white flowers and flattened oval fruit; the latter is used with that of =kanya= and =ḍinya= to make a sort of molasses (_maḍi_).

=tawatsa= or =tawassa=, Entada sudanica, Schweinf. (Leguminosæ); a common tree of the acacia type with white spikes of flowers and curious jointed and embossed pods; it yields an inferior gum; fibre is got from the root-bark; _vide_ =yawa= and =meḍi=.

=tazargadi=, a native medicine; the pounded fragrant leaves of a plant (Artemisia sp.?); brought by Arabs.

=terkon ḅera=, _vide_ =tsatsarar ḅera=.

=tinya= or =tunya= (Kano), =tumniya= (Sok. and Zanf.), Euphorbia unispina, N. E. Brown. a cactus-like shrub, with an acrid milky juice; a common accessory ingredient of arrow-poison. (E. Poissoni, Pax, and perhaps other species are included).

=tofa= or =toha=, Imperata arundinacea, Cyrill (Gramineæ). A stiff-leaved grass with a white cottony flower-spike, growing up in fields, &c. after harvest or burning, especially in damp situations; used for thatch and stuffing cushions.

_zakaran tofa_ = the sharp young shoots which pierce the heel.

=tofo= or =toho=, the young leaf-buds or sprouting of any tree or grass. Syn. =labaye=. _cf._ =fuda=.

=toshshi= or =twashshi=, _vide_ under =barkono=.

=toton masara=, _vide_ under =masara=.

=tozalin barewa= (Katagum), Vernonia pauciflora, Less. (Compositæ); a field-herb with blue thistle-like flowers.

=tozalin kura=, _vide_ =sabulun mata=.

=tsa= or =tswa= (Sok.), Fluggea microcarpa, Blume (Euphorbiaceæ). A slender-branched small-leaved shrub with white berries; the tough stems are used for making wicker traps, native beds, &c. (hence also called _itchen gado_); occasionally planted near houses. _vide_ =faskara giwa=.

=tsabre= or =tsaure=, Cymbopogon giganteum, Stapf (Gramineæ); a tall fragrant grass, used for _zana_, screens, &c.; (sometimes confused with the narrow-leaved grass =nobe=, _q.v._).

=tsada= or =tswada= (Sok.), Ximenia americana, Linn. (Olacineæ); a shrub with small yellow plum-like fruit of acid taste.

=tsadar Lamarudu= or =tsadar Masar=, Spondias lutea, Linn. (Anacardiaceæ); “Hog Plum;” “Yellow Spanish” or “Jamaica Plum.” A tree with alternate pinnate leaves, warty bark and a yellow drupaceous fruit with acid aromatic taste. (Benué region and the south. _Lamarudu_ was a historic king in the time of the Prophet).

=tsaido= or =tsidau= (Kano, &c.), =tsaida= (Sok.), Tribulus terrestris, Linn. (Zygophylleæ). “Caltrop;” (_cf._ =dayi=). A prostrate yellow-flowered weed with a strongly-spined fruit that injures the foot; a common pest of paths and waste places. (Etym. probably = “stop”).

=tsakara=, Anchomanes Dalzielli, N. E. Brown, and other allied species (Aroideæ); an aroid with a large much divided leaf on a tall prickly stem; the tuber is eaten in scarcity after prolonged boiling to remove the acridity. _cf._ also =hansar gada=?

=tsamiya=, Tamarindus indica, Linn. (Leguminosæ). Tamarind Tree. A large tree with pinnate leaves and yellowish or red-striped flowers; the acid pulp of the pods is used in various ways as food and drink and as a laxative medicine. (The tree is the host of one of the species of wild silkworm—Anaphe sp. also called _tsamiya_). _ḍan garraza_ (Kano), _tun jamjam_? (East Hausa) = flowers of =tsamiya= eaten fresh and made up into comestibles.

=tsamiyar makiyaya=, =ts. mahalba=, or =ts. ḳassa=, Nelsonia campestris, R. Br. (Acanthaceæ); a soft-leaved prostrate weed with slightly acid leaves and close spikes of small pink flowers.

=tsana=, an edible cucumber-shaped var. of the bottle-gourd? _vide_ under =duma=.

=tsarariya=, a var. of the common country bean, =wake=, _q.v._

=tsarkiyar kusu=, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Vahl. (Verbenaceæ). “Devil’s coach-whip.” A weed with a long narrow spike of pale blue flowers; used medicinally. Syn. =wutsiyar kusu= (or =w. ḅera=), and sometimes =wutsiyar ḳadangare=.

=tsarkiyar zomo= (Sok.). Dub Grass, _vide_ =kiri kiri=.

=tsatsagi=, _vide_ =jirga=.

=tsatsarar ḅera=, or =terkon ḅera=, Asparagus Pauli-Guilelmi, Solms. and Laub., A. africanus, Lam. and other spp. (Liliaceæ). A straggling half-climbing prickly plant with graceful fronds and very narrow leaves; tough stems used to make snares and traps for small animals. (Etym. _tsatsara_, a basket-like fish trap). Syn. =ḳayar ḳadangare=, _q.v._ and =masun ḳadangare=. _cf._ also =karangiyar kusu=.

=tsatsarar kura=, Vitis quadrangularis, Linn.; _vide_ =ḍaḍori=.

=tsaure=, _vide_ =tsabre=.

=tsawa=, _vide_ under =bagayi=.

=tsibiri kinkini=, Ampelocissus Grantii, Planch. (Ampelidæ); a vine with edible berries and a thickened root, hence also called =rogon daji=, _q.v._ Used medicinally. Syn. =farun makiyaya=. Other species of Cissus and Ampelocissus are included, e.g. the “Forest Grape,” A. Bakeri, Planch.

=tsibra= or =tsura= (Sok.), Randia nilotica, Stapf (Rubiaceæ); an erect thorny shrub or small tree. Syn. =barbaji= (East Hausa).

=tsidau=, _vide_ =tsaido=.

=tsidaun kare=, Aneilema beniniensis, Kunth. A. Schweinfurthii, C. B. Clarke, and other species of Commelynaceæ; weeds with delicate blue flowers and tufted fibrous roots. _cf._ =kariye galma=.

=tsidufu=, small hot chillie peppers; _vide_ under =barkono=.

=tsikar daji= (Sok.), or =tsikar dawa=; also =kibiyar daji= Cymbopogon diplandrum, Hack. var. a tall grass covering large areas of uncultivated ground; used for thatch, &c. (Etym. from the recurved pointed flowering spikes). Syn. =tuma da gobara=, _q.v._ (Other tall species of the same genus are probably included).

=tsikar gida= or =tsikar sabra= (=ts. saura=) (Sok.), Leonotis pallida, Benth. (Labiatæ); a tall weed better known as =kain mutum= or =kain ḅarawo=, _q.v._

=tsintsiya=, 1. Panicum subalbidulum, Kunth. (Gramineæ). A grass 3 to 4 feet high; used for thatching and for brooms, and planted as a field boundary.

2. Eragrostis sp. (?E. biformis, Kunth.). A grass of wet places, used for thatch; the species commonly sold for brooms.

=tsira faḳo=, Stylosanthes erecta, Beauv. (Leguminosæ). A herb with fragrant viscid leaves and small yellow flowers. (Etym. from growing up on hard bare areas).

=tsiyayi= = =ḳeḳasheshe=; _vide_ under =rama=.

=tsu= or =farin tsu=, Pavonia hirsuta, Guill. et Perr. (Malvaceæ). A shrub with broad harshly hairy leaves and large yellow flowers with purple centre. (Urena lobata, Linn. Malvaceæ, is sometimes distinguished as =jan tsu=; _vide_ =ramaniya=).

=tsuku= or =tsuwuku= (Kano), Biophytum sensitivum, DC. (or Oxalis sensitiva, Geraniaceæ); a small pinnate-leaved herb with the habit of a tiny palm and salmon-pink flowers; as in the “Sensitive Plant” the leaves contract when touched. (Popular names are _mata gara ḳafafunki_, _rufe rumbu_, _ka buḍi ka noḳe_, &c. (_noḳewa_ = contracting or withdrawing).

=tsura=, _vide_ =tsibra=.

=tsuwawun biri=, Vitis cornifolia, Bak. (Ampelideæ), an erect plant of the vine family, with ovoid pointed berries; root medicinal. Syn. ?=rigyar biri=.

=tsuwawun zaki= (Sok. Kats. and Zanf.), Cucumis Figarei, Del. (Cucurbitaceæ). A wild ground trailer of the gourd family with ovoid slightly prickly fruit. Syn. =maḳaimi= (Katagum), =kashin gwanki=, =gunar kura=; =gwolon zaki= (East Hausa). Used medicinally and as a medicinal charm for chickens.

=tswa=, _vide_ =tsa=.

=tswada=, _vide_ =tsada=.

=tubani=, a food prepared from beans; _vide_ under =wake=.

=tubanin dawaki=, Peristrophe bicalyculata, Nees. (Acanthaceæ). An erect annual with pink flowers; can be used as fodder.

=tuḍi=, _vide_ under =faru=.

=tugandi=, large mild chillies; _vide_ under =barkono=.

=tuji= or =chiyawar tuji=, Eleusine indica, Gaertn. (Gramineæ). A coarse tufted grass with digitate flower-spikes; resembling but smaller than =tamba=, _q.v._ a good fodder and capable of being used as food.

=tukurra= (Sok.), Melochia corchorifolia, Linn. (Malvaceæ). An erect plant of wet places; 2 to 4 feet high; stems used for _tanka_; bark used for cordage, and leaves sometimes used in soup.

=tukuruwa=, Raphia vinifera, Pal. Beauv. (Palmeæ). “Bamboo Palm.” “Wine Palm.” Stems used for roofing, canoe-poles, &c. (= _gongola_; _gwangwala_, the Nupé name for this palm); leaf for various plaited articles (e.g. _kabido_, _q.v._ a kind of waterproof hood; and _kororo_, cowrie bags); _bami_ or palm-wine is usually made from this species in N. Nigeria. _vide_ also =murli=, =gangame=, &c.; a mealy layer between the husk and the hard nut is eaten in Munchi as a food and medicine, &c.

=tuma da gobara= (Sok. and Zanf.), Cymbopogon diplandrum, Hack. _var._ A tall grass with reflexed flower-spikes, very abundant in the bush; used for thatch. (Etym. from the crackling and jerking of the dry spikes when burnt). Syn. =tsikar daji=, _q.v._

=tumbin jaki=, Paspalum scorbiculatum, Linn. (Gramineæ); a wild grass used in some districts as a cereal; a sort of “hungry rice” or “bastard millet.” (Etym. probably from observed unwholesome effects).

=tumfafiya=, Calotropis procera, R. Br. (Asclepiadeæ). “Dead Sea” or “Sodom Apple.” (Arab. _ashur_, and closely related to the Indian _mudar_ or _ak_—Calotropis gigantea). A large “Milkweed,” a common shrub of peculiar appearance with broad hoary-white leaves and milky juice, umbels of pink and purplish flowers and bladdery capsular fruit; only found near habitations and used in many ways, medicinally, for cordage, &c.

=tumkiya=, a grass; (applied loosely to several plants with white flowers or pale foliage). _cf._ =Ba-Fillatani=, and =karani=.

=tumkiyar rafi= (Sok., &c.), Heliotropium ovalifolium, Forsk. (Boragineæ). A coarse weed with small white flowers; used medicinally.

=tumniya=, _vide_ =tinya=.

=tumu=, ears of early ripening =gero= or =maiwa= and other cereals excluding maize, eaten roasted (not boiled, &c.).

=tumuku=, Coleus dysentericus, Baker (Labiatæ). A cultivated annual with tuberous potato-like root.

=tumukun biri=, Syncolostemon ocymoides, Sch. et Thon. (Labiatæ). A wild plant very similar to the above, with small tubers. Syn. ?=sankwo= (Kano).

=tumukun suri=, Potaxon pistillaris, Fr. An erect club-shaped fungus with brown dusty spores as in the puff-ball, commonly found on ant-hills. Synonyms numerous, e.g. =muruchin jibba= or =m. jibji= (Kano), =wutar barewa= (the Beri Beri equivalent, from the smoke-like cloud of spore-dust when burst), =tabar angulu=, =tabar kura=, =geron kantu=.

=tumun shalla=, _vide_ =shalla=.

=tuna= (often pronounced =tunam= or =tunas=), Pseudocedrela Kotschyi, Harms. (Meliaceæ). A tree with undulate-edged leaves like the oak; a good timber; bark used medicinally.

=tun jamjam= (?Hausa), flowers of the tamarind-tree; _vide_ under =tsamiya=.

=turgunuwa=, _vide_ =lalu=.

=turri=, a dye; generally a synonym for =gangamu= or turmeric, _q.v._

=tursuje= (Ful.), Hæmatostaphis Barteri, Hook. f. (Anacardiaceæ). A tree with pendulous racemes of purple plum-like edible fruit; bark used medicinally. “Blood Plum.”

=tururubi=, Lasiosyphon Kraussii, Meisn. (Thymeleæ). A small erect herb with yellow heads of flowers and a thickened root; leaf and root are very poisonous.

=turu turu=, _vide_ under =ḍorowa=.

=tutar yan sariki=, _vide_ =sutura=.

=tutubidi=, _vide_ =babar more=.

=tuwon biri=, _vide_ under =doya=.

=tuwon ḅaure=, _vide_ under =alkama=.

=twashshi=, _vide_ under =barkono=.

=U=

=umara=, _vide_ =kokara=.

=uwa banza=?, _vide_ =gizaki=.

=uwar maganni=, Urena sinuata, Linn. (Malvaceæ). A shrub 6 to 8 feet high with pink flowers and deeply lobed leaves, planted in compounds (Sokoto West) for its strong fibrous bark used for cordage. (Etym. ?=uwar magami=, “mother of joinings”). This species is scarcely distinguishable from the wild U. lobata, or =ramaniya=, _q.v._ and is often so named.

=uwar mangunguna= (Sok. Zanf., &c.), Securidaca longipedunculata, Fres. (Polygalaceæ). _vide_ =sainyia=. (Etym. “mother of medicines”).

=uwar yara= (Kano, Katagum, &c.); Ficus capensis, Thunb. (Urticaceæ). A species of fig-tree with dense clusters of edible figs growing on the trunk and older branches. (Etym. from the abundant fruiting clusters). Syn. =haguguwa= (Kano, Bauchi, &c.), =garicha= (Zanfara), and =farin ḅaure=.

=W=

=wadda=, Rauwolfia Welwitschii, Stapf. (Apocynaceæ); a tree somewhat resembling the shea-butter tree, with milky sap; (Benué district and south).

=wa= or =ya= (Sok.), Ficus sp. (Urticaceæ). A species of fig-tree with rounded cordate leaves and large single figs. =wan kurumi=, another species of Ficus.

=waiyaro=, _vide_ =ḳaguwa=.

=wake=, Vigna sinensis, Endl. (V. Catjang, Walp.), and perhaps other species. The common cultivated bean of the country. _Chowlee_ (India), _Tow Kok_ (China).

Numerous varieties are recognized, some of them probably of different species:—

_farin wake_, and _jan wake_, _waken damana_;

_ḳwama_ (Sok. and Gobir) = small brown beans usually given to horses but also used as human food;

_tsarariya_, also a brown bean, sometimes mottled;

_zaḳo_, _mai zaḳi_, or _ba-zaḳa_ (Gobir), a well-flavoured bean which can be cooked without salt;

_ḍan Uda_, or _Ba-Ude_ (Kano), a bean which is half black or brown and half white like a similarly marked variety of sheep (_Udawa_, a Fulani tribe); _roko_, also a piebald bean;

_yaro da manda_, a spotted black and white bean;

_hannun marini_, with a blue pod and seeds black-speckled;

_ḍan kwoloje_, a larger white bean;

_ḍan arbain_, planted in damp places and said to be ripe in 40 days after planting;

_damana biyu_ or _kaka biyu_, perhaps the same as _ḍan arbain_, because two crops can be grown in one season;

_ka nannaḍe_, _q.v._ a brown-speckled bean in curled pods; _bidi_, also a speckled bean.

Beans are used as food in the following ways:—

1. Fresh leaves used as a vegetable or in soup.

2. Young pods eaten raw or cooked.

3. Beans eaten boiled; the husks given to cattle.

4. _Tubani_, dried beans pounded, _kanwa_ added, tied up in folded palm or other leaf and boiled.

5. _Ḍan wake_, bean meal with _kanwa_ boiled in lumps and balls, eaten with a soup or sauce of ground-nuts, salt, pepper, &c. (_romon geḍa_).

6. _Ḳosai_, dried beans soaked in cold water, ground moist, and then boiled in ground-nut oil and made into balls or dough-nuts; (mucilage of _yoḍo_, _q.v._ may be added for cohesion); _ḳosai_ of beans nearly corresponds with _kwalli kwalli_ of ground-nuts, and _abakuru_ of =kwaruru=, _q.v._

7. _Wasa wasa_, porridge of ground beans.

8. _Maka_ (East Hausa), bean leaves dried and used in soup.

_harawan wake_ = bean straw used as fodder.

_kowar wake_ = bean pods or husks.

_jimḅirin wake_ = immature bean pods used as a vegetable often uncooked.

The following saying is applied to the bean:—“_na gazawa garkuwar maiḳi niḳa, ka ḳi fari uku, ka ḳi a gona, ka ḳi a tukunya, ka ḳi a chiki_.” These are nicknames for the bean, which is both an unprofitable crop and an inconvenient and coarse kind of food, but the stranger goes home and describes them as novelties which he has seen—the bane of the indolent who will not take the trouble to grind it—in the field it occupies more space than its value—in the pot it requires long cooking—in the stomach it disagrees.

=waken Ankwai=, =waken bisa=, a large climbing bean, cultivated in some districts; probably the white-seeded var. of Canavalia ensiformis, DC. “Sword Bean,” _vide_ under =ḅarankachi=. (_Ankwai_, a pagan tribe in Muri).

=waken baibayi= or =waken Gwari=, Dolichos Lablab, Linn. A cultivated climbing bean on fences, trees near houses, or on hut roofs, &c.; called also =w. damfami=, =w. darni=, &c.

=waken barewa= or =waken damo=, Vigna membranacea, A. Rich. and other spp. Wild twining beans in fields &c. _vide_ =gayan gayan=. (Vigna vexillata, Benth. Vigna pubigera, Baker, &c.).

=waken gizo=, Vigna triloba, Walp. A bean twining on fences, &c. greatly resembling the common cultivated bean; eaten by goats, &c. The saying _ka yi ḍiya ka watsas_, is used of this (from the scattering of the seeds when the pods burst).

=waken tumḳa=, _vide_ =yawa=.

=waken Turawa= or =waken Masar=, W. Stambul, &c. Cajanus indicus, Spreng. “Congo Pea,” “Pigeon Pea.” An erect shrub introduced for cultivation. A form of Indian “dal.”

=walkin tsofo= or =walkin wawa=, Trichodesma africanum, R. Br. (Boragineæ); a coarse herb with white flowers, common near villages, &c. (Etym. “old man’s” or “fool’s apron”).

=wasa wasa=, a food made of beans; _vide_ under =wake=.

=wayo=, a var. of =dawa=, _q.v._

=wutar barewa=, a species of fungus; _vide_ under =tumukun suri=.

=wuta wuta=, _vide_ =ḳuduji=.

=wutsiyar ḅera=, _vide_ =tsarkiyar kusu=.

=wutsiyar damo=, _vide_ =karan masallachi=.

=wutsiyar giwa=, _vide_ =gabara=.

=wutsiyar jaki=, _vide_ =katsaimu=.

=wutsiyar ḳadangare=, _vide_ =tsarkiyar kusu=.

=wutsiyar kurege= or =bundin kurege=, a grass about 12 to 18 inches high, with a bottle-brush-like flowering spike. A name somewhat loosely applied, and including Trichopteryx hordeiformis, Stapf, and Perotis latifolia, Ait.

=wutsiyar kusu= or =w. ḅera=, _vide_ =tsarkiyar kusu= and =shinaka=.

=wutsiyar raḳumi=, Platycoryne paludosa, Rolfe (Orchideæ). A small ground orchid with orange-coloured flowers. (Etym. from the long spur of the flower; probably applied to several orchids with spurred flowers).

=wuyan bajimi=, a var. of =gero=, _q.v._

=wuyan damo=, Combretum leonense, Engl. and Diels. and perhaps other spp. (Combretaceæ). A tree with corrugated bark and 4-winged fruit; a gum yielder; bark used as an astringent medicine. (Etym. from the rough scaly bark resembling the skin of the large lizard, _damo_, Varanus exanthematicus).

=Y=

=ya=, a species of fig-tree; _vide_ =wa=.

=yaḅi= = arrow-poison; _vide_ =kwankwani=. (_yaḅa_ = to smear). Syn. =zabgai=.

=yabainya= (Kano), the young plants of =dawa= or =gero=, (which contain prussic acid and are in some circumstances highly poisonous until they reach a certain stage of growth).

=yaḍiya=, Leptadenia lancifolia, Decne. (Asclepiadeæ). A common twiner with half-succulent leaves and a thick greenish sap; leaves and flowers used as food, and bark for fibre.

=yaḍiyar kada=, Taccazea Barteri, Baill. (Apocynaceæ). A twiner with milky juice, common on trees, &c. near streams; (including other species).

=yaji= or =yan yaji=, a general name for spice; _vide_ =chitta=, =kubla=, &c.

=ya ḳi ruwan Allah=, _vide_ under =kwarko=.

=yako= (Sok. and Kats.), Ipomœa pilosa, Sweet, and other spp. (Convolvulaceæ). A rough-leaved convolvulus common on fences, &c. in towns; _vide_ under =barmatabo=. The dried leaves form a medicine called _dankon kuyangi_.

=yakuwa=, Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Linn. (Malvaceæ). “Red Sorrel,” “Rosella.” A cultivated plant with acid leaves and succulent calyx (usually red in colour), used as a vegetable. Syn. =sure= (Sok.). _gurguzu_ = seeds of =yakuwa=; _daudawar beso_ = seeds boiled and crushed and the oil extracted, used for soup and as a medicinal vehicle. _zoḅarodo_ = the fleshy calyces of =yakuwa= used in food, as a beverage, &c.

=yakuwar fatake= or =y. mahalba=, _vide_ =ayana= and =buḍa yau=.

=yakuwar ḳaya=, =y. kwaḍi=, =y. daji=, =y. ḳaimamowa=, &c. = wild varieties of Hibiscus cannabinus, Linn. a very variable plant; _vide_ =ḳarama mowa= and =rama=.

=yalo=, a variety of the native tomato; _vide_ under =gauta=.

=yama=, a common tall grass of meadows, &c. Cymbopogon rufus, Kunth. used for _zana_ and thatch.

=yamḅururu= (Sok.), Merremia angustifolia, Hill. fil. (Convolvulaceæ). A prostrate convolvulus with narrow leaves, wiry stems, and small pale yellowish flowers. In some districts called =gadon machiji=, _q.v._ Syn. =gammon bawa=, _q.v._ The name =yamḅururu= in Kontagora and elsewhere = Ipomœa eriocarpa, R. Br. and other spp.; the smaller variety of twining convolvulus common on fences, &c.

=ya manya= (Sok.), _vide_ =kain fakara=.

=yanbama= (Sok.), Pennisetum Benthamii, Steud. _var._ (Gramineæ), a tall grass, 6 to 8 feet high, with cylindrical flower-spike like a smaller =gero=. “Elephant Grass.” _cf._ =dawar kada=.

=yandi=, a large tree used in native house-building. Ficus sp.

=yan guriya= = cotton seed; _vide_ under =abduga=.

=yar gari=, a var. of cotton; _vide_ under =abduga=.

=yaro da dariya=, _vide_ under =kwaruru=.

=yaro da manda=, a var. of bean; _vide_ under =wake=.

=yaron kogi=, _vide_ under =ḳaidajin ruwa=.

=yar unguwa=, _vide_ =gasaya=.

=yaryaḍi=, 1. Ipomœa sp. (Convolvulaceæ). A convolvulus or “Morning glory” (probably including several species). 2. =yaryaḍi= or =yaryaḍin gona=, a wild leguminous twiner with hairy leaves and pods in clusters. Vigna luteola, Benth. var. villosa, Baker.

=yaryaḍin kura= (Katagum), Gymnema sylvestre, R. Br. (Asclepiadeæ). A twiner with milky juice.

=ya tabshi=, a var. of the cotton plant; _vide_ under =abduga=.

=yatsa biat=, _vide_ =hannu biat=.

=ya tsauri=, a var. of the cotton plant; _vide_ under =abduga=.

=yauḍo=, =yabḍo=, or =yoḍo= (Sok.), Ceratotheca sesamoides, Endl. (Pedaliaceæ). A herb related to sesame (_vide_ =riḍi=), with mucilaginous juice and pink flowers; used in soup and medicinally; added to cereals and pulses to give cohesion in preparing various comestibles. (Etym. probably from the viscid sap). Syn. =karkashi=.

=yauki= (Kontagora), ?Crotalaria polychotoma, Taub. (Leguminosæ). A low pubescent herb with small yellow flowers; used medicinally. _vide_ =sa furfura=.

=yawa=, fibre from various sources. 1. Chiefly that from a var. of the cultivated bean, Vigna sinensis, Endl. grown for the strong fibrous bark of the flowering peduncles, used for fishing lines, nets, horse-girths, &c. Syn. =waken tumḳa= (Sok.), =waken tuḳa= (Gobir), =waken tuka= (Kano). 2. the root-bark of the acacia =ḍakwora=, _q.v._ (Acacia Senegal), and other species of acacia, e.g. =ḍunḍu= and =twatsa=, _q.v._ used for strong ropes, &c. _cf._ =meḍi=. 3. Applied also to the fibre of Polygala butyracea, Hack. (_cheyi_ of Kabba, _enyigi_ of Nupé), grown by pagans in the south, Munchi, Togo, &c.

=yaya kai ka fito=, _vide_ =ḳaḳa kai ka fito=.

=yayan dara=, seeds of various trees used in the game _dara_, and hence applied to a leguminous tree in the south, with prickly pods containing two large round seeds—Cæsalpinia Bonducella, Fleming.

=yazawa= or =zazawa=, an undershrub, wild or planted in compounds; the root is an acrid poison and is used for making tribal marks, and as an ingredient in some recipes for arrow-poison.

=yoḍo=, _vide_ =yauḍo=.

=Z=

=zabgai=, arrow-poison; syn. =yaḅi=; _vide_ =kwankwani=.

=zabibi=, a plant with a tuberous rhizome yielding a yellow dye. Curcuma sp. (Scitamineæ). _cf._ =gangamau=.

=zabiya=, a variety of date; _vide_ under =dabino=.

=zabo= (Sok.), Aloe sp.—probably A. Barteri, Baker (Liliaceæ). An aloe with stiff speckled and hard pointed leaves; two varieties occur; 1. a bush variety with orange-yellow flowers. 2. _zabon dafi_, a cultivated variety planted near houses, having bright red flowers and becoming very succulent; used as an ingredient of arrow-poison; also called _zabo ko_. Syn. =kabar giwa= (Kano, Zaria, &c.).

=zago=, a var. of =dawa=, _q.v._

=zaḳami=, Datura Metel, Linn. (Solanaceæ). “Metel” or “Hairy Thorn Apple.” A coarse branched annual with broad leaves and long white trumpet-shaped flowers, common in waste places about towns, &c. The seeds, in globular prickly capsules, are a deliriant poison. Syn. =haukat yaro= (from its use as an excitant to youths at _sharo_ contests). In Sokoto and Katsina called =babba jibji=, _q.v._ The epithet _sutura_ (East Hausa) is applied to this plant (from the folding of the unopened corolla).

=zaḳi banza=, Amaranthus viridis, Linn. (Amaranthaceæ). A common weed with spikes of inconspicuous greenish flowers; a form of native spinage used as a vegetable and sometimes cultivated. (Etym. from the insipid taste). Syn. =ruḳuḅu= (Sok. and Kats.), and =malamkochi= (Katsina).

=zaḳi birri=, _vide_ under =goriba=.

=zaḳo=, a var. of bean; _vide_ under =wake=.

=zamarke=, Sesbania punctata, DC. (Leguminosæ). A tall slender leguminous shrub of wet places, with pinnate leaves and yellow flowers; a sooty pigment got by scorching the stems is used to decorate huts; the stems are used for arrow-shafts. Syn. =checheko= (East Hausa) _cf._ also =alambo=.

=zamfaruwa=, a var. of =gero=, _q.v._

=zango=, a var. of =gero=, _q.v._

=zayi=? (Katagum, &c.), Boscia senegalensis, Lam. (Capparideæ); a low shrub with bunches of small whitish flowers and berry fruit; leaves and berries used as food. _cf._ =anza=.

=zazar giwa= or =zazar gwiwa=, _vide_ =sare gwiwa=.

=zazawa=, _vide_ =yazawa=.