A much-branched deciduous tree, up to 50 ft. leaves 5-foUate, leathery, smooth ; 

 leaflets wedge-shaped, entire all distinctly stalked; corolla bell-shaped white and 

 violet hairy, tube as long as the calyx, densely bearded in the throat; fruit, almost 

 black, as large as a plum. Widespread, 



The fruits are eaten as a famine food. The wood is yellowish-white to pale 

 brown, even and straight -grained, soft, moderately durable, easy to work but does 

 not take a polish. It nails satisfactorily and does not split. It must not be exposed 

 to damp and is not suitable for purposes calling for great strength. It is suitable 

 for boxes, interior fittings, the bottoms of drawers, upholstery, etc. Weight about 

 53 lb. per cu. ft. 



Ref. 14; 22; 26. 



476. V. mombassae Vatke (Verben.). 



Mpyimpya, mpsympsya (N), makuku (Tu), ntonongoli (N or Y), mserakunyama, 

 cipindimbi (Y), mpunungu (Mambwe). 



A shrub or small tree with densely hairy branches; leaves 3-5 foliate, the end 

 leaf 2-3 ins. long; cymes dense, axillary branches hairy, calyx bell-shaped, pale 

 blue densely hairy outside; fruits as large as a plum, with a calyx three-quarters 

 of an inch in diameter, skin and flesh dark purple almost black with a large stone. 

 Found at low elevations, e.g., Kota Kota Lake-shore. 



The fruits are edible and much liked as they are sweet. Used for making 

 concoction for strengthening and flavouring tobacco (Tt). 



477. Vitex sp. 

 Msungututu. 



A tree with palmate, thick, opposite, downy leaves and edible fruits. 



478. VoandzeiasubterraneaThou. (Papil.) Bambarra groundnut, Groundbean. 

 Nzama (N), njama, sugama (Y), eto (Ngu), niumu (Tu, Su), zyama, njuwu (To), isugu 

 (Nk). 



A cultivated annual plant ; the flowers are borne above the ground and by the 

 growth of the flower stalk the pods are buried underground. There are many 

 varieties differing among other points in the size and shape of the bean. The bean is 

 characteristically rounded in shape. 



The beans are cooked as a side-dish, either with skins on or without as cipere. 

 They are usually eaten when fresh. The fresh beans are commonly boiled in their 

 pods and the beans are eaten one by one as an extra food, mikowe, makata. They 

 are sometimes roasted then pounded and eaten as an extra food. They may be 

 cooked with whole maize as ngata (Karonga District). 



There are several customs relating to their use. One common among the 

 aNgoni in the Mzimba District relates to the second cultivation of the beans. After 

 the flowers have appeared the practice is to heap the earth on top and bury them. 

 Thus everyone may sow the beans but only those who have already buried a child 

 of their own may " bury " the beans, presumably there is some connection in the 

 African mind between the two burials and fear for the safety of one's own family. 

 In the Kota Kota District, a custom still prevails among some of the people of not 

 selling the beans, they must always be given freely. 



The pods and leaves are not eaten. 

 Ref. 13. 



479. Widdringtonia whytei Rendle (Cupress.), Mlanje cedar. 

 Mkungusa (G), mpongo (Ml). 



A tall tree reaching a height of 140 ft., with clean trunks 90 ft. long and 5J ft. 

 in diameter. Found in closed forest, as an overwood above other montane evergreen 



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