Aneityum

adj. tempestuous at sea

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 48

n. reed work in the opening of a fence

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

v. to prepare pandanus leaves for making mats or baskets

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

adj. made of branches

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

v.n. to go ashore

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 66

adj. unripe

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 196

v. to seek food, as taro; to gather, to reap

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 74

n. green (color)

Speaker: Kirk Keitadi

v. to sharpen the point of a reed like a spear

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 80

[inɣaɣen] n. kava (traditional)

Speaker: Kirk Keitadi

n. screwpine (RPV #85)

Scientific name: Pandanus tectorius, Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. wood

Speaker: Kirk Keitadi

n. sandalwood

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 85

n. small tree, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3528)

Example: 1. This plant is used as firewood, but also the heartwood is sold. 2. In 2016, the first grade wood was 2500 VT per kilo, the second grade wood was 2000 VT per kilo. 3. The ancestors used to take the oil or wood chips from this tree and bathe with it to keep away evil spirits of the forest. It is currently planted on Aneityum for commerce. Scrape bark of sandalwood into coconut oil in same wat as GMP 3513 (gardenia) boil and take out the bark. 4. The leaves can be fed to pigs to make them strong and heavy.

Scientific name: Santalum austrocaledonicum, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. an old coconut

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 85

n. kind of shellfish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4754)

Scientific name: Passiflora suberosa, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. a breadfruit tree

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 117

n. breadfruit crop in October

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 87

n. a comet

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 113

n. kind of fish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. treelet or shrub, 1 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3204)

Example: To treat a headache, people traditionally would make a small cut ¼ inch long with a bamboo or piece of glass around the eyebrows where it is soft and then drip juice of the crushed leaves in the cut to take away the pain. Let the cut bleed first and then put the juice in it and it will stop the pain. The bleeding will stop the pain and the leaf juice will stop the bleeding – sometimes the pain will go away immediately and sometimes it takes a few minutes. So this technique is used to treat a very strong headache like a migraine.

Scientific name: Malvaviscus arboreus, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. kind of fish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. stoloniferous herb, 15 cm tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3561)

Example: In the past the ancestors learned to cook the leaves of this species with fish in an earth over and then eat the leaves as well as the fish. Today, fish are wrapped with small leaves and then covered with lap-lap leaf (Polyscias) and cooked in an earth oven.

Scientific name: Wedelia uniflora, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. tree, 14 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3586)

Example: To make a fire, take a 1-2 cm diameter stick, sharpen it and rub it against a larger piece, ca. 6 cm in diameter. As a person rubs, the stick will start smoking and then start a fire, especially if there are a few small slivers of stem on the stick that can catch fire. People use other types of sticks to rub against the larger piece as well, and this will make a fire.

Scientific name: Aceratium oppositifolium, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. bush land; also "inteucjip"

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 89

n. liana climbing on large Dillenia tree, growing in primary forest at edge of river. flower white. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3677)

Example: If a person is building a temporary house and has no other way of attaching the poles, collect the vine of this species, roll it a bit to break the fiber, heat it in a figure 8 form and then use for tying poles while warm.

Scientific name: Jasminum didymum, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

adj. behind

Speaker: Kirk Keitadi

n. Melastoma malabathricum (RPV #132)

Scientific name: Melastoma malabathricum, Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. kind of flowering plant (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4772)

Scientific name: Cerbera manghas, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. kind of fish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

[lawoñ] n. Vanuatu Scrubfowl (Used to live here, died out, now only live up north)

Example: Photo by Dubi Shapiro, IBC1406511. Photo of Vanuatu Scrubfowl Megapodius layardi at Palikulo Point, Vanuatu. Accessible on Internet Bird Collection

Scientific name: Megapodius layardi, Speaker: Jack Keitadi

n. kind of crab

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. coconut crab

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

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

adj. unripe

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 196

n. Achyranthes aspera L.

Example: juice squeezed from leaves; taken internally against asthma and put into boils

Speaker: Bradacs 2011, p. 439

n. kind of shellfish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. the middle of the forenoon

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 114

[naŋɛsɛŋa ratha] n. sun god

Speaker: Ruben Nerian

n. a thistle

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 94

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. tree, 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4066)

Example: 1. Young saplings are used to prepare a fishing spear. First a straight sapling is chosen and sized. Then it is heated over a fire to render it pliable. After the length is straightened, it is decorticated. Once cooled, a portion of wire can be affixed to an end to aid in spearing fish.

Scientific name: Pavetta opulina, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. a plant from which twine is made

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 94

n. the name of a species of creeper

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 94

n. kind of bird

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. kind of bird

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. terrestrial orchid, growing in dense rainforest. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4116)

Scientific name: Macodes sanderiana, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

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. a small whirlwind

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 114

[napat irenmeʤup] n. smooth, small cloud

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. kind of tree

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 117

n. a reed frame for supporting the tendrils of yams

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 96

n. kind of tree

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 117

n. kind of crab

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. a native plant, the leaves of which are used as cabbage

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 96

n. shrub, 1. 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3469)

Example: The wood of this species is used to make a spear for fishing. The wood can also be used to make spears for hunting wild pigs.

Scientific name: Tarenna efatensis, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. terrestrial fern, growing in secondary forest along the river. Leaves c. 2. 25 m long. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3656)

Example: Put several leaves of this species together to wrap food, especially the fresh water eel, and to carry plants of taro, kava, holding the leaves over one’s shoulder to carry these crops.

Scientific name: Pronephrium rubrinerve, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. a species of thorn

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 97

n. kind of banana

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. the kernel of a coconut; the coconut tree

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 98

n. kind of crab

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. scrambling vine, growing in coastal strand vegetation. Flowers yellow. 1. Medicine: Smash leaves 1 handful, into cup and add a small amount of water to treat constipation—1 cup for children; 1.5 XX for adults. 2. Stomachache: same treatment, will clear bowel. 3. For leg sores, collect whole plant, put in water – a pool of water for 1 week, then use to dip sore as on leg into it for 10-15 minutes cure the sore. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3437)

Scientific name: Vigna marina, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. prostrate creeping vine along coastlines. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #10)

Example: 1. To cure rubbush blood - Take a handfull f leaves of any age, pound it into a cupfull of water, squeeze the juice and drink when woman feels pain in head or inside the body or when the inside of the body is hot. Drink this once a day until the pain goes away. 2. To cure excessive bleeding after giving birth - boil naojapdak leaves (2-16) in seawater until leaves are soft and the water is brown. Sit on this water. 3. To close the cervix - boil 2 naojapdak leaves in water and bath in it. 4. Medicine: Smash leaves 1 handful, into cup and add a small amount of water to treat constipation—1 cup for children; 1.5 litres for adults. 5. Stomachache: same treatment, will clear bowel. 6. For leg sores, collect whole plant, put in water – a pool of water for 1 week, then use to dip sore as on leg into it for 10-15 minutes cure the sore.

Scientific name: Vigna marina, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. kind of shellfish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. tall shrub. Growing uncultivated near Unames outside the village. (collection: Ashley A McGuigan #30)

Scientific name: Acalypha grandis, Speaker: Wina Nasauman

n. kind of crab

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. kind of breadfruit

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. land newly planted with taro

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 99

n. terrestrial, occasional (collection: Tom A. Ranker #2487)

Scientific name: Ptisana smithii

n. the canoe (constellation), or Orion

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. tree to 4 m tall, dbh 8 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #5004)

Example: This plant is used to make fishing line, perhaps moreso in the past than today. Collect young shoots form the sides of the tree, peel off the bark, soak the stem in salt water or fresh water for 1-2 weeks to ret the stems then separate the fibers, dry in the sun and use to make string for fishing. The leaves are used for feeding pigs.

Scientific name: Nothocnide (?) repanda, Speaker: Tony Keith

n. type of seashell

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

Speaker: Jack Keitadi

n. kind of shellfish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. hard outer shell of crab

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

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. Brassy chub, lowfin drummer

Example: Photo by Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia

Scientific name: Kyphosus vaigiensis via FishBase, Speaker: Chris Nevehev

n. kind of banana

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 118

n. terrestrial fern, growing at edge of marsh (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3592)

Example: The root is used as a survival food, during famine, cook roots on fire and eat. Roast on charcoal.

Scientific name: Pteridium esculentum, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. kind of sugarcane

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 120

[niŋeɣ] n. Mystery island (western, longer part)

Speaker: Ruben Nerian

n. the shark (constellation?)

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 113

n. type of seashell

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

Speaker: Jack Keitadi

n. tree from which petticoats or skirts are made

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 103

n. a fern

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 120

[niŋa] n. shell

Speaker: Kirk Keitadi

n. a bundle of reeds; also "nohudieg"

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 103

n. kind of shellfish

Speaker: Romario Yaufati

n. kind of taro

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 119

n. banana (gen.)

Speaker: David Nasauman

[nohos vietnam] n. kind of banana(sp. from Vietnam)

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. tree, 8 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #3626)

Scientific name: Arytera neoebudensis, Speaker: Natu Kenneth

[numra napo] n. the Southern Cross

Speaker: David Nasauman

n. a halo around the sun or moon

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 113

n. tree, 10-12 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4027)

Example: 1. Used to build houses. The wood of this tree is considered very hard and heavy, so it is used as posts in traditional houses.

Scientific name: Syzygium nomoa, Speaker: Titiya Lalep

n. fern to 0. 75 m, sori brown. Growing in pine forest. (collection: Michael J. Balick #4983)

Example: Join two of the inrolled fronds together at the part where the frond is opening (the tip that is curled) such that the leaves are held together by their unfolding growing tips. Place this along the path that is frequented by a wild pig (they travel along paths) and when the pig passes these two leaves, and is chased by a hunter’s dogs, these leaves in this formation are said to sap some of the pig’s energy and thus allow the dogs to catch up with it. This was explained to Tony by another person who mentioned it as a sort of magical power possessed by this type of fern.

Scientific name: Blechnopsis orientalis, Speaker: Tony Keith

n. understory tree, 6 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4049)

Example: 1. The name means "knife of sandpaper", a type of fish. The leaf base resembles the fin of the fish. 2. In the past, a spear was made from the sapling wood of this plant for tribal warfare. Today, spears are made from this plant for fishing. First, a relatively straight spaling is chosen and then heated over a fire. The pliable portion of wood is straightened and then decorticated. When cool, a portion of wire can be affixed on one end to aid in the spearing of fish.

Scientific name: Tapeinosperma

n. new moon

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 105

[oŋmraŋ] n. old (man)

Speaker: Kirk Keitadi

n. tree to 8 m, dbh 60 cm (collection: Michael J. Balick #4984)

Example: Peel the shell of the fruit and eat the inner part, or make jam from this part. Spit out the seeds. The branches of this tree are used for firewood.

Scientific name: Ceratonia siliqua, Speaker: Tony Keith

n. Sawtooth barracuda

Example: Photo by Stephanie W. Batzer, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 via Fishes of Australia

Scientific name: Sphyraena putnamae via FishBase, Speaker: Jack Keitadi

v.a. to take off sprouts of taro

Speaker: Inglis 1882, p. 110