216. F. ovata Vahl. 



Mlanibi (Su). 



Large frequently epiphytic tree with broad crown, leaves large up to 10 ins long, 

 fruits 1-2 ins. in diameter, frequently cultivated by Africans in Tt. and in Misuku 

 Hills in Karonga District for the bark which it yields; the trees are coppiced to 

 produce along strips of bark, which is used to make the traditional garments of the 

 aSukwa women. The garment consists of a belt about 4 int. wide stiffened with a 

 strip of harder bark inside and coloured with various bright designs, looped over 

 this belt at back and front is a very long strip of bark softened and sewn with string 

 into a thick belt ; sap used for bird lime. 



Ref. 26 



217. Ficus spp. Wild figs. 

 Nkhuyu (N), ndawa (Y), kacere (Y, N), mpumbi (Y). 



There are a very large number of species of figs in the country. They may 

 be small or large trees and the leaves are variable but all have milky latex and 

 characteristic fruits. 



Many of the kinds have edible fruits, some of the latter reaching almost the 

 size of the cultivated kind. They are, however, lacking in flavour and very seedy. 

 The leaves of at least one species, kacere, are eaten (Kasungu). The small sprouting 

 leaves are picked in September or October, and cooked sometimes with the help of 

 potashes. An infusion of the bark of a large leafed kind, nkhuyu, is mixed with the 

 bark of the wild banana, cizuzu, and washed on the breasts of women when they are 

 lactating to increase the supply of milk. It is also used mixed with the bark of 

 mlemhela and kaumbu as a cure for dysentery. The leaves of i^. capreaefolia Del. are 

 rough and used as a substitute for sand paper. The latex of some kinds is used for 

 bird lime. The wood of most is soft and of little value. Widespread at all 

 elevations. 



Ref. 14. 



218. Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.) Merr. (Syn. F. hirtiuscula Oliv.) (Flacourt). 



Indian Plum. 



Ntudja (N), nthudza (C), mtawa, ndawa (N), mtumhusya (Su), daivi (Nk). 



A much- branched, small tree usually spiny, leaves are rotundate or obovate 

 elliptical, midrib and long curved lateral veins are rt^ther prominent below, berries 

 on short axillary or terminal branches, about half an inch in diameter, purple black 

 when ripe. Known to be eaten in the Kota Kota and Zomba Districts. Common 

 in Brachystegia woodland up to 5,000 ft. Flowers from September to October, 

 fruits ripen in June- July. 



The fruits are edible with a pleasant flavour. An infusion of the roots is drunk 

 as a cure for pneumonia. 



Ref. 6; 26. 



219. Flemingia rhodocarpa Baker. See Moghania. 



220. Fleurya aestuans Gaudich. (Urtic). Stinging nettle. 

 Kwisa (N), likaswa, likasa (Y). 



A herb resembling a nettle up to 4 ft. or more high with panicles of small, green 

 or greenish-red flowers. Known to be growing in the hills of the Kota Kota District. 



The outer fibre is used for string for traps and for threading beads. 

 Ref. 7, 14. 



59 



