- Local trees usually have one or more names in each local language. However to help people who speak different languages identify the same tree, every tree also has a ‘scientific’ name in Latin that remains the same worldwide. These scientific names are long and difficult to remember and so they are often shortened for everyday use. Here are some examples:
Local name (eg: in Luo) |
Scientific name |
Common name |
|
oyieko |
Cassia siamea |
cassia |
|
chwaa |
Tamarindus indica |
tamarind |
|
akudho |
Dovyalis caffra |
kei apple |
- Different trees have different characteristics and uses. Sometimes their names indicate their usefulness. Discuss the names of different trees known in the area and whether any of these names describe the characteristics of the trees.
Prosopis (Prosopis juliflora) Examples of local names: algarrobo, khejiri, her, kiryia, gaudi maaka
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) Examples of local names: chwaa, dakkar, tsamia, tamarinier
Discussion
- Encourage participants to think of a number of local trees and their names and qualities. Then do the same for some exotic trees.
- Encourage discussion of the different names used for trees, particularly if any participant is from outside the area or is aware of the scientific names for certain trees.
- Consider the most useful trees in the area. Make sure all the participants know them. It may be useful to combine this discussion with a walk around the surrounding area, noting the various trees.
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