Futuna-Aniwa

[ɸaka masi] n. well branched tree, 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4151)

Example: Children like to eat the fruits when they ripen black. Stem for house posts, as the wood is very strong.

Scientific name: Syzygium nomoa, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

[ɸaka taŋi ŋata] n. tree, 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4169)

Example: Peel off the outer portion of the stem, clean it, remove the fibers and dry them in the sun, and then weave into rope for fishing and also to make the net for catching flying fish. Weave into rope for fishing, and also weave this fiber to attach to the frame, used to catch flying fish.

Scientific name: Pipturus argenteus, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5228)

Example: Photo by raboul / iNaturalist, License: CC-BY-NC. This plant can "call the snake." Hold the leaf between 2 fingers and pull down along the length of the leaf--it sounds like a snake so the snake comes. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Dianella ensifolia

[ɸakau sore] Said to be the oldest tree on the island, the first tree. It grows slowly and grows nowhere else. Cutting this tree is not allowed.

Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

[ɸau] n. type of flowering plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5054)

Example: Mature stems used for house posts. Take young shoots, strip bark, ret in sea for 1-2 weeks. Take out, separate and clean fiber, dry in sun for 3-4 days. Then weave grass skirt, for women and used ceremonially. In older times, this skirt was used in gardening. Can also use this fiber as handle for Pandanus baskets.

Scientific name: Hibiscus tilliaceus, Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

[ɸeimama] n. tree, 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4178)

Example: This is a source of house posts for temporary houses. The young stick split in half, and is used to grasp hot stones in earth oven.

Scientific name: Macaranga dioica, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

n. Tree to 10 m, dbh 30 cm. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5213)

Example: The stems of this tree are good for firewood. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Ficus

[ɸoi’ata] n. banyan-forming fig tree, 5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4183)

Example: The fiber of this plant is used as a rope. Collect the young shoots, strip off bark and use fresh as a rope, especially to tie and carry baskets or firewood. The birds eat fruits; hunters know this and they hunt there.

Scientific name: Ficus aspera, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5259)

Example: Photo by jcorrie / iNaturalist, License: CC-BY-NC. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Macroptilium lathyroides

[ɸuna moto] n. small tree, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4157)

Example: The stems are used for firewood, as it is hard and burns well, for example to roast taro, yams, and other foods.

Scientific name: Ilex vitiensis, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5227)

Example: The stems of this shrub are used as firewood, because they are easy to light when dry. These stems are used for cooking. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

n. Tree to 5 m. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5215)

Example: The stems of this plant are good for firewood and house posts (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Melochia odorata

[ŋasau] wild cane

Speaker: Nigel Nesua

[ŋasau] wild cane

Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5226)

Example: The stems of this grass are tied together and woven to make the wall of a traditional house. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Miscanthus sinensis

[ʃiŋamotu] n. tree, 2.5 to 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4180)

Example: The below ground portion of the stem is used to bake in an earth oven and eat. It has a sugary taste.

Scientific name: Cordyline fruticosa, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

[kamoni] A vine with yellow flowers that grows on the beach. Tied to the Popokiga fishing song.

Example: Photo by K. David Harrison, Dec. 2017

Speaker: Anselon Seru

[kamoni tai] n. type of flowering plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5058)

Scientific name: Canavalia, Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5251)

Example: Photo by pl_stenger / iNaturalist, License: CC-BY-NC. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Abutilon indicum

[kataʔ] n. epiphyte. (collection: Tom A. Ranker #2527)

Scientific name: Asplenium nidus, Speaker: Anselon Seru

n. Tree to 20 m, dbh 4 cm. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5218)

Example: The thin stems of this plant are used to make a fishing rod. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Bambusa vulgaris

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5271)

Example: The stems of this plant are used as firewood. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Vitex trifolia

[ko kaʋa] n. liana, growing in well developed secondary forest. flowers pale pink. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4154)

Example: Used as a fish poison. Macerate stems and put into pool with water. Smash further until juice comes out. As a result, fish are stunned and can be harvested.

Scientific name: Derris indica, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5231)

Example: The stem of this tree is good for making house posts as well as used for firewood. The leaves are also used as plates for holding food. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Macaranga tanarius

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5241)

Example: Planted as an ornamental, for shade (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Diospyros

n. Herb to 0.5 m. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5209)

Example: This plant is used as a styptic, to stop wounds from bleeding. Mash as much leaf as needed to cover the wound and place it directly on the wound. Also, for treating sores to help them heal, take the tops of 4 stems and squeeze the juice directly on the sore. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

[kouhmara] n. type of flowering plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5057)

Example: Unspecified medicinal use.

Scientific name: Abutilon, Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

[koʋkaʋatua] n. treelet, 2-3 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4184)

Scientific name: Macropiper latifolium, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5243)

Example: The wood is collected for firewood. It is good for cooking lap lap in the earth oven. When cooking in the earth oven, the leaves are used to cover the stones on the fire, and then when the oven is covered with stones, put these leaves on top of the oven. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Delarbrea paradoxa

[kuru kuru] n. sparsely branched tree, growing in well developed secondary forest. young fruits green. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4149)

Example: Cover top layer of earth oven.

Scientific name: Delarbrea paradoxa, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

[maire] n. terrestrial. (collection: Tom A. Ranker #2524)

Scientific name: Microsorum grossum, Speaker: Anselon Seru

[maʃi ra hŋu] n. small tree, 3 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4153)

Example: A Y-branch (forked wood) to make a slingshot, and also to make an arrowhead for an arrow to shoot bird.

Scientific name: Tabernaemontana, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

[makaka] n. terrestrial; leaves up to 0.75 m; common. (collection: Tom A. Ranker #2525)

Scientific name: Selaginella rechingeri, Speaker: Anselon Seru

[masi] n. type of flowering plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5053)

Example: Strip bark 3 in. wide mash like tapa cloth, can join 2-3 pieces like tapa by beating it together, use as belt for men to hold penis--this was a practice of ancient peoples.

Scientific name: Wikstroemia, Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

[mataŋi] n. epiphyte. (collection: Tom A. Ranker #2526)

Scientific name: Aglaomorpha rigidula, Speaker: Anselon Seru

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5237)

Example: Name means "thick leaves." This is an ornamental plant introduced by the missionaries. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Kalanchoe pinnata

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5264)

Example: This herb is used for cooking, and is said to be used to add flavor to fish and chicken. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Ocimum

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5267)

Example: This species is grown as an ornamental around households. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Nerium oleander

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5234)

Example: (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74), Samuel Seru (male, 31))

Scientific name: Pittosporum aneityense

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5247)

Example: The stem of this tree is used for firewood. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5261)

Example: (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Ageratum conyzoides

n. Herb to 1 m, leaves reddish colored. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5212)

Example: When a person has a stomach ache, take 5-6 leaves, squeeze them in a cup of water and drink. Said to be good to drink this for general sickness. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Plectranthus scutellarioides

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5260)

Example: (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Plectranthus scutellarioides

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5233)

Example: Birds eat this fruit. Hunters know this and hunt near this tree when the fruits are ripe. Second use contributed by Samuel Seru. To treat gonorrhea. Scrape inner bark of the stem to fill 1/3 of a cup. Then fill with cool water and drink 1 x daily for 5 days in the morning. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74), Samuel Seru (male, 31))

Scientific name: Ficus

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5235)

Example: The stem of this tree is good for firewood. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74), Samuel Seru (male, 31))

Scientific name: Myrsine

[namanu] n. small tree, 2 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4156)

Scientific name: Dendrolobium umbellatum, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5224)

Example: The stems of this tree are used to make firewood. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Phyllanthus ciccoides

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5273)

Example: Stems of this species are used for house posts and for firewood. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Glochidion ramiflorum

[napuk] n. type of flowering plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5050)

Example: Used to build fences or pens around houses.

Scientific name: Jatropha curcas, Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5223)

Example: This plant is used to make a head decoration for kastom ceremony. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Lygodium reticulatum

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5266)

Example: This species is grown as an ornamental around households. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Canna indica

[nasijau] n. small tree, 3 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4150)

Example: Houseposts, strong wood lasts 7-8 years in the ground. Use the small wood to make a bow and arrow as well as when it is young and straight to make a spear handle. The young wood is flexible and is used to make the circular part of a flying fish net.

Scientific name: Croton insularis, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

[nasitau] n. well branched tree, 7 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4181)

Example: This plant is a good source offirewood, as it burns a long time; a large log can burn for days.

Scientific name: Ficus adenosperma, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

[natehmu] n. well branched tree, growing in dense forest. fruits white. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4185)

Example: This tree is used for house posts, as it produces a hardwood.

Scientific name: dicot tree, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

[nau nau] n. type of flowering plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5056)

Example: Termites like to live in this wood. Collect termites from this plant and give to young chickens as food.

Scientific name: Scaevola, Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

[nawoʔ] n. well branched tree, 8 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4187)

Example: This plant is used for firewood. It is hard and burns well.

Scientific name: Alyctron, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

n. Vine to 3 m. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5211)

Example: (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Jasminum

[niɸou ura] n. liana climbing into canopy 5 m above the ground, growing in dense forest. fruits green to dark purple. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4188)

Example: Birds eat fruits and the hunters know this, so they hunt nearby.

Scientific name: liana dicot, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

[niseni] n. terrestrial; leaves ca. 1.0 m long. (collection: Tom A. Ranker #2520)

Scientific name: Sphaerostephanos invisus, Speaker: Anselon Seru

[niseni maru] n. terrestrial; leaves up to 1.0 m. (collection: Tom A. Ranker #2523)

Scientific name: Christella harveyi, Speaker: Anselon Seru

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5225)

Example: The fruits are used as a medicine. For any generalized sickness in the body, collect a handful or two of ripe fruits, put them in a bottle with water, allow this to ferment for 5 days, and drink liquid 3x day before meals. For swellings on the body, heat the leaves over a fire and rub on the affected area 1x daily for as long as needed, when the swelling goes away. The stems of this tree are good for house posts as they last a long time. The leaves can be used to cover lap=lap when cooking. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Morinda citrifolia

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5269)

Example: This species is grown as an ornamental around households. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Malvaviscus arboreus

[popo] n. scandent shrub, growing in canopy gap of dense forest. fruits green to pale red. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4186)

Example: Mature stems are used to make a bow for hunting.

Scientific name: Premna?, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5250)

Example: This is an edible plant. Collect the young leaves, boil them in water, discard the water, and add salt and eat. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Solanum americanum

[puku ɸakatu] n. terrestrial; leaves ca. 1.5 m long. (collection: Tom A. Ranker #2521)

Scientific name: Nephrolepis biserrata, Speaker: Anselon Seru

[pusi] n. small tree, 2.5 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4179)

Scientific name: Pavetta opulina, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5255)

Example: The stem of this tree is used for firewood or making houses and rafters for the roof. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Leucaena leucocephala

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5245)

Example: The stem is used to make house posts as well as burned for firewood. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Burkella

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5275)

Example: This type of Rapoji is the one with the thin leaf. It is grown as an ornamental around households. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Codiaeum variegatum

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5276)

Example: This type of Rapoji is the one with the wide leaf. It is grown as an ornamental around households. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Codiaeum variegatum

[raso] n. type of flowering plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5055)

Example: Fruits edible like berries. Stems used for firewood. The name refers to testicle.

Scientific name: Maesa, Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

[rimrimu] inedible seaweed

Speaker: Anselon Seru

[romaʃi] n. tree, 8 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4182)

Example: The young leaves are edible. Boil them for 30 minutes, and eat. The fruits are also edible and are eaten. Boil fruits 1 hour and eat with coconut. Also, you can wrap the leaves of this plant with Cordyline fruitcosa (MJB 4180) leaves and bake in fire, adding meat as well.

Scientific name: Ficus wassa, Speaker: Takaroga Kuautonga

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5230)

Example: Ancient people were said to use this as a fishing line. Strip off the skin (bark) of the stem and place it in the sun to dry. Remove the fiber by stripping it off and weave the fiber into a fishing line. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Pipturus argenteus

[saka] n. type of flowering plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5059)

Example: Fruit is edible when bract is dry. Boil the whole plant in a 1 liter of hot water, for 1 hour. Make certain juice comes out from plant. To treat dengue fever, drink hot 1-2 cups daily, for 2-3 days.

Scientific name: Physalis, Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

n. Herb to 50 cm. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5216)

Example: Photo by raphaelsandro / iNaturalist, License: CC-BY-NC. The leaves of this plant are said to be a good local cabbage, cooked in soup and other foods. The fruits are used to spice food, giving it a hot taste. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Capsicum annuum

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5274)

Example: This species is grown as an ornamental around households. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Bougainvillea spectabilis

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5262)

Example: Photo by dagendresen / iNaturalist, License: CC0. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Euphorbia hirta

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5229)

Example: The stems of this tree are very good for making house posts. The wood from the tree is good for firewood. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

[tapi toki] n. small, densely branched tree (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4160)

Example: This plant is used for firewood, as when it is cut green, it will burn quite easily. The can be used to make rafters. It cannot be used as a housepost in the ground, as it will not last long at all.

Scientific name: Elaeocarpus, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

[tapi toki] n. type of flowering plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5052)

Example: Firewood--green wood will light, good for earth oven area. Stems used to make house posts.

Scientific name: Elaeocarpus floridanus, Speaker: Ausdin Jackson

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5220)

Example: The stems of this plant are used for house posts. They are said to be very hard and last "forever." (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Fagraea berteroana

n. Tree to 15 m, dbh 20 cm. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5217)

Example: The stems of this tree are good for timber that is used for house posts. The stems can also be burned for firewood. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Alphitonia zizyphoides

[toro ɸaru] n. well branched tree, 4 m tall (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4155)

Example: Wood used to make bows. The wood can be used to make house posts, but do not last long, perhaps 1-2 years.

Scientific name: Micromelum minutum, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

n. Herb to 1.0 m. (collection: Michael J. Balick #5210)

Example: Name means "strong." This is a plant used to make the children strong, as implied by the local name. For children who are 1-3 years old, take a small branch of Tuhmakei, heat over a fire, and rub on the child’s knees, elbows, and ankles 1x daily for 5 days. Each day use another branch and hang it in a tree such as a coconut where the wind can go through it. this will make the child very strong and be able to walk well. Also used by older men, go give them virility. Take 6 leaves and boil in water 1x daily, drink the liquid and toss the leaves away. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Sida rhombifolia

[ʋaʋa ɸoɸare] n. liana climbing in syzygium namoa tree c. 5 m above ground, growing in well developed secondary forest. fruits green to dark purple. (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4152)

Example: The vine is used as a rope to ties thing, as it is flexible and strong. Hold the vine over a hot fire then tie it on something while it is still warm. When this vine cools, it is very strong.

Scientific name: Gynochthodes myrtifolia, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

[wauwau] n. scandent shrub, growing in open scrub. latex white (collection: Gregory M. Plunkett #4159)

Example: This plant is traded with people from Tanna and Aniwa, as it is sweet smelling, and is put around the head and neck for dancing.

Scientific name: Alyxia, Speaker: Takaronga Kuautonga

n. type of plant (collection: Michael J. Balick #5244)

Example: Ancient people were said to use this vine to decorate their heads during the Kastom dance. If people decorate their heads with this vine today, they say that the vine is from the God of Matchichiki, Futina and if one wears it, people will know that the person is from Futuna--a form of identity. (authorities: Naumeta Rose (male, 32), Paul Fatapa (male, 74))

Scientific name: Alyxia stellata