Aneityum

n. beat coconut fiber

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 127

[ahi] adj. white (color)

Speaker: David Nasauman

v. to spit on leaves; to chew leaves for sickness

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 56

v.n. to go up, or go east

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

v.n. to cross over or through a river, as by wading, or in a boat.

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

v. sleep

Speaker: Kirk Keitadi

adj. black

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. time; weather; day; morning

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 61

adj. sharp

Speaker: Kirk Keitadi

n. spring

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 188

adj. green, blue

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 77

v.n. to rise up; to overflow as sea on land; to get ashore

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 78

adj. soft, as an infant’s foot, or new leaves.

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 82

n. whitewood (RPV #38)

Scientific name: Endospermum medullosum, Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. shrub, 1 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3543)

Example: Red, dried fruits are fed to small chicks as food.

Scientific name: Rivina humilis, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. the heart wood of a tree

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 85

n. herb to 1 m, flowers blue. In transitional zone from pine forest to ’primary’ forest. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4982)

Example: This is used to treat Ciguatera disease when a person eats fish that is contaminated. Squeeze juice from a handful of leaves of this herb into a cup, add a small amount of water, and drink 1 cup once a day for 3 days, or continue until the person feels better. This illness is a problem on Aneityum with the reef fish. It is better to eat fish that are farther out to sea. This treatment is also used for dogs who eat contaminated fish. Make the same preparation and forcibly pour this in their mouth as they will not drink it willingly. Do this treatment once daily until the dog feels better. The dogs get this illness because they are fed the scraps, especially the bones of the fish, and this is thought to be where the disease is found. This is considered to be a dangerous illness and dogs who get it frequently die.

Scientific name: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Speaker: Tony Keith

n. tree to 6 m, dbh 8 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #5002)

Speaker: Natu Kenneth

n. herb to 1 m, flowers white (collection: Michael J. Balick #4868)

Example: Red fruit is used to feed chickens.

Scientific name: Rivina humilis, Speaker: Natu Kenneth

n. basket handle

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. kind of crab

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. kind of sugarcane; also "nalgaij"

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 119

n. a runner, the fruit of which is round like a cake

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 86

n. kind of fish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. a rainbow

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 113

n. Moorish idol

Example: Photo by Ian Shaw / iNaturalist.org, License: CC BY-NC 3.0 via Fishes of Australia

Scientific name: Zanclus cornutus, Speaker: Chris Nevehev

[inʤupurapni] phr. Good evening. (greeting around sunset)

Speaker: Ruben Nerian

[inlolan niʧinandan] n. forehead

Speaker: Ruben Nerian

n. Peacock hind

Example: Photo by Andrew J. Green / Reef Life Survey, License: CC BY-A 3.0 via Fishes of Australia

Scientific name: Cephalopholis argus, Speaker: Chris Nevehev

n. tree to 2 m tall,dbh 40 com (collection: Michael J. Balick #4877)

Example: To treat a local disease (that causes pain in the stomach) called "Namya," peel off the outer bark, collect 1 handful of inner bark, boil with 1/2 liter of water, drink warm, 3 cups/daily, for 3 days. At that point the person will feel that "the weakness is no longer in the body." After 3 days of treatment the pain in the stomach goes away. Wood is used for posts; leaves for compost for holes that people will plant taro in--line the bottom of the hole before placing soil and taro in it.

Scientific name: Acacia spirorbis, Speaker: Natu Kenneth

[inmeʧihap̃] n. kind of bird

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. Ipomea indica

Example: latex blown from stalk using it like a straw; anti-hemorrhage

Speaker: Bradacs 2011, p. 441

n. vine to 40 cm, flowers blue (collection: Michael J. Balick #4949)

Example: To heal cuts, select a piece of the larger part of the stem (woody) cut a 6 inch piece and blow on one end; the sap comes o ut on the other end and this can be used to cover the wound. As a pig feed, people collect the stems and leaves and feed these to the pigs.

Scientific name: Ipomoea, Speaker: Tony Keith

n. kind of shellfish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

[inpak] n. clouds that divide like a banyan tree

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. species of banyan

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 117

n. Blacktail snapper

Example: Photo by zsispeo, License: CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 via Flickr

Scientific name: Lutjanus fulvus via FishBase, Speaker: Jack Keitadi

n. kind of taro

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 119

n. kind of taro

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 119

n. kind of sugarcane

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 120

n. kind of shellfish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. tree, 7-8 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3635)

Example: The wood from this tree is used for house posts. Used to heal bad spirits, headaches, fever, or any other kind of illness that modern medicine cannot fix. Must be taken and performed in the evening before the sun sets. Take four leaves from the top of the intoutau, netethae, nelmaha, inrowod plants. Combine them with 1/4 cup of water and squeeze the juice out of the leaves and pour into a piece of bamboo. Give the mixture to the sick person to drink. The woman must drink half of the mixture and use the other half of the mixture to wash their body with. The woman then has to stay away from other people except for those who helped wash her. Then you must smash the bamboo that contained the mixture where the sun sets.

Scientific name: Aceratium oppositifolium, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. fishing line

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. kind of crab

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

[nadimi dama] phr. four men (there are)

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. bay (of the sea); creek

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 127, 139

n. Crinum asiaticum L.

Example: subterranean part used as mouthwash for toothache (Crinum asiaticum)

Speaker: Bradacs, Gesine, Jörg Heilmann, & Caroline S. Weckerle (2011). Medical plant use in Vanuatu: A compa

n. kind of tree

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 117

n. kind of plant, grass, or fern

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 120

n. shrub to 2 m, dbh 5 com (collection: Michael J. Balick #4875)

Example: To make a local broom, gather a group of branches of this plant, tie together, burn off the leaves when they are dry and then use to sweep (photo with Wopa).

Scientific name: Leucopogon cymbulae, Speaker: Natu Kenneth

[najsiom] n. bird nest

Speaker: Jack Keitadi

n. tree to 15 m tall, dbh 40 com (collection: Michael J. Balick #4857)

Example: The wood of this tree is good for carving. The fibers go in one direction so it is easier to carve, for example, to make a kava bowl. In general, this is the species used to make kava bowls. If your kava is not strong, then making it in this bowl will make it stronger. The kind of bowl made from this tree has a handle on each side of the bowl and it is held with 2 hands. The place name Anumwmamlau is named after this tree. There are said to be two types of this tree--one with all green leaves (this specimen) and one with white and green leaves. If a person is going to a Tabu place and is concerned about spirits, they should take a handful of these leaves and wash the body all over with it--take a swim (bath) with it. Then the person can go to the Tabu place without risk. There are other unspecified spiritual uses of this tree.

Scientific name: Flueggea flexuosa, Speaker: Natu Kenneth

n. terrestrial fern, growing in secondary forest along the river. Fronds dimorphic. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3644)

Example: This is a sacred plant, it will keep crops, such as foods, in good condition and protect people from famine and loss of crops. It grows wild along the river and people leave it there and also move the plants to the house along with Terminalia fruiticosa and other unspecified plants for use in protecting their crops. For example, when people go to the garden, they take their planting stick and place it near these plants for a while, and being near it will help protect the garden as a person then works with their planting stick to plant the garden.

Scientific name: Oceanopteris gibba, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. small shrub, 0. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3219)

Example: 1. A stimulant plant. If a person is going to their garden early in the morning before the sun come up, break 2 top young leaves and chew and swallow the liquid, spitting out the fiber. This makes the person able to work harder and not feel tired while in the fields. It was noted that "a person can do the work of many people if they chew this." 2. The leaves are used for fertilizer for taro--put a bunch of leaves in a hole were taro is to be planted as a compost/antibiotic. This practice is said to kill all of the bad organisms such as bacttively impact the health of the taro plant. 3. This species is collected in the coastal areas, and is different from the one that looks similar to it, that grows in the forested areas. People take 4 leaves, chew leaves, swallow juice, gives energy to work hard the entire day. For fishing, take lots of ripe fruits and put in pocket, you will be able to catch a lot of fish. It brings good fortune when fishing. Roots – take one root, wash where a woman is giving birth to a newborn baby, give a drop of the juice from the root to clear the mucus in the throat.

Scientific name: Scaevola taccada, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. twining vine, growing on grassed along roadside in open disturbed area. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3608)

Scientific name: Cardiospermum halicacabum, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

[nawʊn niʧman] n. arm

Speaker: Ruben Nerian

n. epiphytic fern on tree, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4089)

Scientific name: Asplenium bipinnatifidum, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4764)

Scientific name: Tarenna, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. epiphytic fern, fallen to ground (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3494)

Example: When a dog is poisoned by cuguatera from eating a fish, the root of this species is collected, cleaned and a handful is boiled in 1-2 cups of water and given to the dog to drink. This treatment should be done 3x daily, in the morning, around noon and during the evening meal for as long as the dog is sick.

Scientific name: Aglaomorpha rigidula, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. chief

Example: Origin story of Aneityum chiefs on see more on Youtube

Speaker: Kirk Keitadi

n. kind of banana

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 118

[nawuraniŋ] phr. thank you

Speaker: Ruben Nerian

n. kind of fish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. shrub to 2 m, flowers white. Red clay soil (collection: Michael J. Balick #4887)

Example: The stem makes a good digging stick to plant taro. Also branches of this tree are cut to tie the canoe to the outrigger. Used for the small sticks that sit at the base of the larger sticks that hold the outrigger (see photos).

Scientific name: Halfordia kendack, Speaker: Natu Kenneth

n. yellow star

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. shrub, 1. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4145)

Scientific name: Acalypha repanda, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. shrub, somewhat scandent (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3443)

Scientific name: Acalypha grandis, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

[neθwonomo] n. fish bones

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.

Speaker: Osiani Nerian

n. kind of bird

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

[nefiaŋ] n. January (lit. big wild sugar cane)

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. Macaranga tanarius L.

Example: Inner bark: mouthwash with decoction, toothache.

Speaker: Bradacs 2011, p. 442

n. stage of coconut

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island.

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. fir; pine

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 150, 172

n. tree, growing in forest at edge of wide tidal stream (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3535)

Example: 1. The wood is strong and good to make house posts. People use these for this purpose on the coast as salt water does not bother this wood. 2. People eat fruit, split fruit in half, carefully scrape the inner part into a pot of water, keep over night – next day rinse, fry or cook with coconut milk and can add tinned tuna for example, very hard work.

Scientific name: Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. tree, 8 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3214)

Example: This tree makes good wood for canoes as well as timbers that are cut for building houses. A decoration that is placed around the head, known as salu-salu is made from these leaves. If you wear it, people know you are from Aneityum. In the early 1950’s-1960’s, Aneityum was the main place for logging this species. Now it is rare and in need of replanting. A project from New Zealand planted pine trees in its place and they have thrived here. In the same way, the sandalwood tree was overharvested and is rare now. Timber, very resinous so good to start fire – branches good for fire. They are the ones that have the sap, if a person in in the bush and finds young tree – sapling – they will make headdress from the leaves to show they came from the bush. Also, this is a Kastom name.

Scientific name: Agathis macrophylla, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. fern. Growing in a village back path. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #28)

Example: 1. To cure when the anus falls out - Pound together 1 braches worth of inpalcapnesgin leaves and of both inloptiri (2-4 leaves, any age), also take the inner bark of nekeaitimi and nakhe. Put this into your hand, or another leaf and give it to the person to use it. This should be applied to the anus whenever the anus comes out. USed to use a clam shell to extract the bark but not anymore.

Scientific name: Angiopteris evecta, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. Sailfin tang

Example: Photo by Mark Rosenstein / iNaturalist.org, License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia

Scientific name: Zebrasoma velifer, Speaker: Chris Nevehev

[nelɣo] n. canoe

Speaker: Ruben Nerian

n. wind-related term; no definition provided

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 114

n. traditional canoe

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2018, Aneityum island. see more on Youtube

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

[nɛlop] n. back fin (of fish)

Speaker: Ruben Nerian

n. type of fruit

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

[nesŋan ʤap] n. waves (beach)

Speaker: Chris Nevehev

n. edible fern

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, April 2016.

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. kind of bush

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. herb to 50 cm, flowers yellow. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4944)

Example: As a tonic medicine, collect a full handful of leaves, boil in one liter of water until fully cooked, then drink 1 cup 3x daily, warm, to treat a person who has worked too much, who is tired, to help their stomach and to help make them strong. For children and adults. Child’s dose is 1/2 cup, 3x daily until the child feels stronger.

Scientific name: Bidens pilosa, Speaker: Natu Kenneth

[ninahɛn] n. scales

Speaker: Osiani Nerian

n. ladder fern, fishbone fern (RPV #221)

Scientific name: Nephrolepis cordifolia, Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. Hornstedtia sp.

Example: Subterranean part: cold maceration, taken internally against "cancer", diabetes, or as tonic

Speaker: Bradacs 2011, p. 445

n. kind of taro

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 119

[nohos upene] n. kind of banana (lit. "good banana")

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. kind of taro

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 119

n. tree, 8 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3703)

Scientific name: Syzygium nomoa, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

[nopwañ] n. Far Eastern Curlew

Example: Photo by Graham Winterflood, License: CC BY-SA 2.0 via Flickr

Scientific name: Numenius madagascariensis, Speaker: Jack Keitadi

n. vine to 2 m, flowers white (collection: Michael J. Balick #4939)

Example: Use this to make rope. Cut the vine, heat over a low fire, when it is still warm, tie posts of the house--the heat makes the cord very strong and tying it while in that condition makes it really strong.

Scientific name: Melodinus neoebudicus, Speaker: Natu Kenneth

n. tree, 2. 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3272)

Example: Wood is strong and used to make a spear for fishing.

Scientific name: Tapeinosperma netor, Speaker: Natu Kenneth

[owaŋ] num. six

Speaker: David Nasauman

conj. conjunction to join sentences together

Speaker: Kirk Keitadi

n. terrestrial orchid growing in cloud forest along ridge. Flowers white. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3281)

Scientific name: Pristiglottis montana

v. to fish (with a rod)

Speaker: Romario Yaufati