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Naming Invasive Alien Plants in Indigenous Languages: KwaZulu-Natal Case

Study, South Africa

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DOI: 10.4172/2327-4417.1000207

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Nxele et al., J Biodivers Manage Forestry 2019, 8:1

Journal of Biodiversity
DOI: 10.4172/2327-4417.1000207

Management & Forestry

Research Article A SciTechnol Journal

Naming Invasive Alien Plants c) To review existing isiZulu common names of some IAPs to make
sure those names are not confused with those of indigenous

into Indigenous Languages: plants (NB: Some English common names of IAPs also need to
be reviewed!);

KwaZulu-Natal Case Study, d) To advocate for IAPs to be given negative names and finally,

South Africa e) To facilitate the naming process and adoption of isiZulu common
names for IAPs.
Bheka J. Nxele1*, Bheki A. Mdletshe1, Bheka E.B. Memela1, Keywords
Menzi M. Nxumalo2, Hlobisile J. Sithole2, Phakamani J. Mlaba3,
Khulekani Nhleko3, Zukiswa Zulu4, Lindelani Zuke5, Sanelo IsiZulu names for invasive alien plants; Indigenous naming of invasive
Mchunu1, Mthobisi Hadebe2 and Nomzamo A Mncube1 alien plants; Medicinal plants; Confusion between Indigenous and
invasive alien plants; Ecosystem services; Language evolution;
Cultural pollution
Abstract
The spread of invasive alien plants (IAPs) across countries does
not only dilute the indigenous biodiversity richness and degrade the
Abbreviations:
environmental integrity of local environments, but it also threatens Abbreviation Explanation
human livelihoods. Although no studies have been conducted on
the relationship between IAPs and indigenous knowledge on plants, EKZNW: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife;
contributors suspect that IAPs might have negative impacts on
cultural application of indigenous plants, more especially in the case EM: EThekwini Municipality;
of medicinal plant use. In the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South EPCPD: Environmental Planning and Climate Protection
Africa, where there are mainly isiZulu speakers, the use of plants Department;
for various human benefits is still relatively high. Plants are used
for many reasons including traditional medicine, food, shelter and
IAP: Invasive Alien Plant;
cultural rituals such as during burial ceremonies of family members. In IAS: Invasive Alien Species;
certain parts of KZN, when a person is buried, a row of medium-sized
logs of Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) are put on top of the casket ITB: Ingonyama Trust Board;
to prevent soil from piling directly on top of the casket. Traditional
healers rely heavily on certain plants to meet their different objectives KZN: KwaZulu-Natal;
and this now includes IAPs. Traditionally, they would use indigenous
SANBI: South African National Biodiversity Institute;
plants, which are known by their isiZulu common names but with the
influx of IAPs, confusion between indigenous and alien plants has NEMBA: National Environmental Management:
crept in.In some instances, an indigenous plant and an alien plant Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004) ;
which resemble each other now even share the same isiZulu common DEA: Department of Environmental Affairs;
name. Alternatively, there is confusion when one has to collect an
indigenous plant but cannot differentiate between that and a similar IAP, NPO: Non Profit Organization
which might not have an isiZulu common name (in that case it does not
matter whether the IAP has an isiZulu common name or not). Additional NGO Non Government Organization
problems arise when the intention is to propagate an indigenous species
and an IAP ends up being unintentionally propagated. Furthermore,
WESSA Wildlife Society of South Africa.
where indigenous plants have been over-utilized and become scarce to Introduction
find and thus switching to an IAP that resembles the scarce indigenous
plant, becomes an option. To make matters worse, when naming IAPs Increasing the pace and scale of biodiversity conservation in a
if the process is unregulated, IAPs are given attractive, positive names human-dominated world requires conservationists to effect systemic
that unintentionally might create an impression that “these plants are change in complex and dynamic socio-ecological systems, cultures
good”. The intention of this article then was; and habits [1]. Poor decision-making processes, uninformed land-
a) To advocate for the naming of IAPs into indigenous languages use activities, lack of information-sharing and working in silos, are
and that the naming process should be structured and regulated, some of the factors that delay adaptation to climate change [2]. The
b) To systematically suggest names for some of the dominant IAPs
evidence for climate change is now so strong that efforts to ensure socio-
within eThekwini Municipality, KZN province of South Africa, as ecological adaption and ecosystem resilience must be mainstreamed
a case study, as these changes have numerous implications for human livelihoods,
ecosystems, and ecological processes that sustain them [3-6]. Adaptation
includes improvements in environmental management and restoration
of environmental ecosystems, as well as building community awareness,
*Corresponding author: Bheka J Nxele, Environmental Planning and Climate Protection
Department, EThekwini Municipality, 166 KE Masinga, Durban, 4001, South Africa, Tel: 27- in order to bolster both sustainability and ecosystem resilience to climate
31-322-4310; Fax: +27-31-3117-134; E-mail: Bheka.Nxele@durban.gov.za change [6-8]. Interventions aimed at relieving environmental degradation,
Received: January 07, 2019 Accepted: March 11, 2019 Published: March 18, whilst also building environmental awareness and promoting societal
2019 adaptation to climate change should be prioritized [7].

All articles published in Journal of Biodiversity Management & Forestry are the property of SciTechnol, and is protected by
International Publisher of Science,
copyright laws. Copyright © 2019, SciTechnol, All Rights Reserved.
Technology and Medicine
Citation: Nxele BJ, Mdletshe BA, Memela BEB, Nxumalo M, Sithole JH, et al. (2019) Naming Invasive Alien Plants into Indigenous Languages: KwaZulu-Natal
Case Study, South Africa. J Biodivers Manage Forestry 8:1.

doi: 10.4172/2327-4417.1000207

The experience of the authors indicates that, by addressing rural areas and in KwaZulu-Natal, most rural communities do rely
the underlying causes of vulnerability and lack of awareness, local on natural resources (for instance medicinal plants). Many of those
communities can be empowered not only to look after their surrounding communities live on land under the custodianship of the Ingonyama
natural environments but also to adapt to the adverse impacts associated Trust Board (ITB) [13-16]. The ITB administers almost 45% of land
with climate change. The propagation of Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs), within the province of KwaZulu-Natal and about 67% of eThekwini
dominantly through medicinal-use as well as for ornamental purposes, Municipality (EKZNW and EM Systematic Conservation Plans). The
has been identified as key factors which unintentionally promote majority of people living within Ingonyama Trust land are isiZulu
the spread of IAPs [9]. The spread of IAPs, through outcompeting speakers. A strategy that proved popular with them might provide a
indigenous species, compromises the functionality and vigour of breakthrough in controlling the spread of IAPs, within the Ingonyama
ecosystem services [8]. It has been noted that communities often make Trust land, and a positive turning point in biodiversity conservation,
use of IAPs without much understanding of what plants they are using, ecosystem service robustness and also in socio-ecological adaptation
the origin of those plants, negative threats associated with those plants to climate change.
on indigenous biodiversity nor the human health implications of being
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in the supply of ecosystem services,
exposed to some of these plants.
which essentially sustain human livelihoods [17,18]. Contrary to
As the invasion level of IAPs increases, people are becoming more this natural provision the invasion of alien species, remains one of a
accustomed to their existence and are gradually and unintentionally number of significant threats to both biodiversity and the functionality
beginning to link them to traditional systems. As was observed from of ecosystems and also to the ecosystem services they provide. IAPs
Dinokana village in North-West Province, the traditional system for reduce the ability of the land to support people and also affect the
predicting rain is now linked to the opening and closing of an invasive resilience and adaptability of ecosystems to climate change [19].
Cereus jamacaru/Queen of the night flower [10]. This overrides Dedicated budgets that will support improved efforts are needed to
traditional systems for predicting rain that might have been available control the establishment and spread of IAPs in any bioregions. In
before this particular invasive plant. The use of IAPs for traditional light of the currently very limited resources for the management of
health care practices is also evolving, and sometimes substituting that IAPs, it becomes necessary to create awareness and empower as many
of indigenous plants. Findings from a study by Meama [11] lists a land-users as possible, so as to inform decision-making and foster co-
number of IAPs used by Bapedi traditional healers of Mogalakwena management initiatives [16].
Municipality in Limpopo Province. The invasiveness nature and In South Africa, the Department of Environmental Affairs
abundance of IAPs makes it more easily accessible influencing the (DEA) gazetted IAS Regulations under the National Environmental
cultural change of relying on indigenous plants which are becoming Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), Act No. 10 of 2004. The Act
more and more scare.Just like westernisation pose acculturation on groups IAPs into several categories which clearly stipulates what needs
people’s cultural and social identity, the use of IAPs over indigenous to be done in order to manage each category (Table 1).
plants for traditional medicine poses an acculturation threat to
cultural and traditional knowledge [12]. In most cases such knowledge Inappropriate use, as well as the naming, of invasive alien plants
is not recorded but is rather passed by the word of mouth from one (IAPs) pose threats to the culture and language of local communities,
generation to the next. With the threat of IAPs, consequently it will get much as the invasion of IAPs threatens the biodiversity and landscapes
polluted or merely lost. of the areas invaded [20]. As people increasingly fail to identify
and differentiate between IAPs and indigenous plants, traditional
The lack of indigenous names for most of IAPs results in knowledge about plants is likely to get polluted and gradually
communities giving them names that are similar to those of indigenous forgotten [21]. Educating isiZulu-speaking communities about IAPs
plants. Field experience of some of the contributors has shown that this is challenging. They find it difficult to pronounce and to remember
creates confusion not only in terms of which plant is being used, but scientific names and the common names in other languages. Most IAPs
also leads to active propagation of some IAPs. This suggests a need to do not have isiZulu or African names because they originate from other
give IAPs appropriate isiZulu common names, in order to differentiate countries and this contributes to the already existing incompatibility
them from indigenous plants, and to protect the cultural knowledge between science and non-science perceptions [22,23].
and names of indigenous plants. IsiZulu was chosen as the language to
work with in this work mainly because the focus of this work was within Methodology
eThekwini Municipality (KwaZulu-Natal province) and the dominantly Authors of this article came from different regions within the
spoken language within communities is isiZulu. The aim of this work province of KwaZulu-Natal (Figure 1). This further increased the
was to establish and standardize the naming of IAPs into isiZulu. To knowledge of what a particular alien plant might be called in the
date, no similar work has been done in South Africa. Research has different regions of the province thus minimizing chances of name-
shown that there is relatively high reliance on natural resources in clashes between an indigenous and an IAP. The list of IAP species
Table 1: Categorization of invasive species in South Africa as stipulated in the environmental legislation, National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act, (Act No.
10 of 2004).
NEMBA
Legislated/Required Management Action
Category
1a Invasive species in this category must be combatted and eradicated. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.
1b Invasive species in this category must be controlled and whenever possible removed and destroyed. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.
Invasive species in this category require a permit to carry out a restricted activity. Species covered in this category include commercially important
2
species such as certain pine, wattle and gum species used in forestry.
Invasive species in this category may remain in prescribed areas or provinces. Further planting, propagation or trade is prohibited. Plants in riparian
3
areas are however classified as Category 1b and must be controlled.

Volume 8 • Issue 1 • 1000207 • Page 2 of 8 •

Citation: Nxele BJ, Mdletshe BA, Memela BEB, Nxumalo M, Sithole JH, et al. (2019) Naming Invasive Alien Plants into Indigenous Languages: KwaZulu-Natal
Case Study, South Africa. J Biodivers Manage Forestry 8:1.

doi: 10.4172/2327-4417.1000207

Figure 1: Representativeness of isiZulu lexicon, within the province of KwaZulu-Natal of South Africa, by the area of origin of the authors. Although isiZulu
language is prevalent in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, there are regional variations of the isiZulu vocabulary across the province.

reviewed in this project were sourced from the Beautiful but Dangerous order to retain the pronunciation aspect which ensured people would
Posters and Flashcards produced by the Environmental Planning and continue recognizing and calling the plant by the same name (Table 3).
Climate Protection Department (EPCPD), of eThekwini Municipality
Plants with existing isiZulu name were cross-referenced through
(Invasive Alien Plants of eThekwini Municipality). Additional
consultations and engagements with local communities to ensure the
information was sourced from work done by the Wildlife Society of
same name was not also used for an indigenous plant. Before the new
South Africa, WESSA [24,25].
names could be adopted as names of the respective plants, they were
Most of IAPs have a Latin (scientific) name as well as their presented at community forums. Choosing a Community Forum
respective English Common Name. The review process sought to give wherein to present the proposed names, was informed by where
each invasive alien plant an isiZulu Common Name. Some plants particular plants occur in order to ensure community knowledge of the
already had isiZulu name, whilst others did not. The naming process plants in question. The process engaged in this IAP naming process,
was motivated by the growth form, phenotypical appearance, habitat should not be confused with translation. The process is rather aimed
and/or negative effects of a species. Naming IAPs with isiZulu name at deriving new names, reshaping the isiZulu lexicon and facilitating
that is also used for an indigenous plant was regarded as a fundamental its coevolution with biological and cultural evolution. The contributors
source of confusion. Where an IAP has a widely used name not used reviewed the most commonly occurring IAPs within the province,
for an indigenous plant, that name was retained. If there was a clash which includes eThekwini Municipality. The list included IAPs either
with an indigenous plant (see selected species in Table 2), the name with no isiZulu name, with a name that is not confused with an isiZulu
was replaced with a new one. Plants with no isiZulu name, were given common name for an indigenous plant (Table 4) or with names
new negative names. A negative name was favoured so that people similar to those for indigenous plants (Table 5). Proposed names
would see the plant negatively (i.e. give “negative” plants, “negative” were presented at various stakeholder forums such as Non-Profit
names). However, caution was given not to give plants too strong a Organizations (NPOs), Community Forums, Biodiversity Stewardship
negative name that they would encourage evil-doers and witch-doctors Workshops and in discussions around the topic of IAP management
to experiment with such plants in performing witchcraft. In instances (Table 3). This served to get an understanding of what they think
where a plant is widely known by its English Common Name and about the proposed name(s), spark discussion, get buy-in and also get
where contributors felt deriving a new name would cause unnecessary knowledge of whether the proposed names were already in use or not.
confusion, the English Common Name was formalized and adopted In all spheres of biodiversity and ecosystem service management we
as a borrowed word. This was done by writing the name in isiZulu in need to create awareness, forge partnerships and include indigenous

Volume 8 • Issue 1 • 1000207 • Page 3 of 8 •

Citation: Nxele BJ, Mdletshe BA, Memela BEB, Nxumalo M, Sithole JH, et al. (2019) Naming Invasive Alien Plants into Indigenous Languages: KwaZulu-Natal
Case Study, South Africa. J Biodivers Manage Forestry 8:1.

doi: 10.4172/2327-4417.1000207

Table 2: Selected list of invasive alien plants with isiZulu Name similar to isiZulu Name for an indigenous plant.

Invasive Alien Plant Photo Current isiZulu Name Corresponding Indigenous Plant Photo Comments

Both plants have somewhat

Albizia lebbeck (Lebbeck similar leaf arrangements, which
Usolo Albizia adianthifolia
tree) might have contributed to the
common isiZulu name.

Both plants, invasive and

Caesalpinia decapetala
Uboboluncane Adenopodia spicata indigenous, belong to the Family
(Mauritius thorn)
Fabaceae and pinnated leaves.

Unclear why communities called

Campuloclinium
Pompom Indlolothi when it has
macrocephalum(Pom Indlolothi Morea spathulata
far less resemblance to Morea
pom)
spathulata.

Both plants, invasive and

Leucaena leucocephala
Ubobo Adenopodia spicata indigenous, belong to the Family
(Leucaena)
Fabaceae and pinnated leaves.

No striking similarities between

the two plants, but maybe
Pereskia aculeate
iqwaningi Capparis tomentosa medicinal value was a common
(Pereskia)
factor and hence the same
name.

No striking similarities between

the two plants, but maybe
Schinus terebinthifolius
Isibhaha Warburgia salutaris medicinal value was a common
(Brazilian pepper)
factor and hence the same
name.

NB: Images of IAPs were sourced from the Beautiful but Dangerous Posters whilst those of Indigenous Plants images were sourced from SANBI
website (plantza website: http://pza.sanbi.org).
Table 3: List of most common Invasive Alien Plants, in KwaZulu-Natal, with isiZulu Name that is not confused with any isiZulu Common Name used for an indigenous plant.
The NEMBA Category listing of each IAP is also indicated.
English NEMBA
isiZulu Common Name
No. Scientific name Common Category Explanation of the Name General comments
(Existing/Proposed)
Name of listing
One proposed name was
'umbhangabhanga' but this name
is for an indigenous plant, Trema
orientalis. Elsewhere, people might
know the species as “imphetho” and/
The isiZulu common name originates from
or “isanywana” but for standardization,
‘ukubhongozela’, which in this context, means to
Solanum the name “ubhongabhonga” is strongly
1 Bugweed Ubhongabhonga 1b grow hastily and Bugweed grows relatively fast
mauritianum recommended as an isiZulu common
which is why the name “ubhongabhonga” is fitting
name for this species since it is widely
used
In isiZulu, Lantana is called ‘ubhicilwesalukazi’
Lantana rugosa is an indigenous
because it is liked and eaten by old women. In
Lantana which is similar to Lantana
2 Lantana camara Lantana Ubhici/ ubhicilwesalukazi 1b short, the plant is called ‘ubhici’ because of the
camara
mushy, fruits when ripe.
ijikijolo-elinomhobholo (direct translation is “berry-
with-jealousy”). The plant grows quickly covering
Rubus American
3 Ijikijolo-elinomhobholo 1b vast areas of land as though it is overwhelmed
cuneifolius bramble
with jealousy or selfishness (E)
This plant is commonly found in wetlands
1b
(emaxhaphozini), where it forms dense thickets
(sterile
and outcompetes indigenous plants and
cultivars or udabulamaxhaphozi- ‘dabula’ – to tear,
transforms or reduces the extent of a wetland.
hybrids are ‘ixhaphozi’- is a wetland. Canna indica
4 Canna indica Indian shot Udabulamaxhaphozi The isiZulu name highlights the fact that the plant
not listed) mainly “tears wetlands apart”.
reduces the expanse of a wetland.

Volume 8 • Issue 1 • 1000207 • Page 4 of 8 •

Citation: Nxele BJ, Mdletshe BA, Memela BEB, Nxumalo M, Sithole JH, et al. (2019) Naming Invasive Alien Plants into Indigenous Languages: KwaZulu-Natal
Case Study, South Africa. J Biodivers Manage Forestry 8:1.

doi: 10.4172/2327-4417.1000207

English NEMBA
isiZulu Common Name
No. Scientific name Common Category Explanation of the Name General comments
(Existing/Proposed)
Name of listing
Cardiospermum This plant is a climber and grows by entangling
5 Balloon vine Ugigane 1b
glandiflorum itself onto other plants.
The effects associated with this plant, for instance
the blisters that form on the lips of herbivores (e.g.
rhino), skin rash on humans, asthma symptoms umbulalazwe- ‘bulala’ – is to kill, ‘izwe’
and the fact that when it grows it forms continuous – is a country, Parthenium invasions
thickets rendering the land of less value to people. have severe socio-economic and
When vast areas of land are non-profitable, it is as ecological impacts that cripple, destroy
Parthenium Famine
6 Umbulalazwe 1b though the land itself has become “dead” hence a country’s economy.
hystephorus weed
the name “umbulalazwe”, because the plant kills
the land and that which lives on it
A name used by old people, which refers to
Water Water lettuce. No other plant, more especially
7 Pistia stratiotes Indwane 1b
lettuce indigenous plants, is known by this name.
Campuloclinium Proposed names derived from the English common
8 Pom pom Uphomuphomu 1b
macrocephalum name since there is no isiZulu name for Pom pom
Peanut umakhephuka- a way of expressing a
Senna ‘ukukhephuka’ (odour production) in this context
9 butter 1b strong smell, Senna didymobotrya has
didymobotrya Umakhephuka refers to the production of an odour
cassia a strong smell
The flower of this plant resembles a corncob.
Among isiZulu speakers, ‘ihleza’ is something or ihleza- maize cob, the Pontederia
Pontederia Pickerel
10 Ihleza 1b someone useless and this is the negative part of the cordata flower looks like a maize cob
cordata weed
naming)
Current common name has no negative connotation
but may be retained as there is no indigenous plant Umhlangambumbulu-‘umhlanga’ is a
with such a name. However, this name creates reed, ‘mbumbulu’ is a negative way of
11 Arundo donax Giant reed Umhlangawezimvu 1b
an incorrect impression the plant can be used by implying ‘it looks like, but it is not’
livestock farmers, which is misleading.
2 (isiZulu does not have ‘tlee’), but
Ugamthilini- is a well-known name for
but in ugamthilini’sounds more appropriate. In essence,
Gumtree
Eucalyptus riverine retain existing name but only correct current name
12 Gum tree Ugumtlee
grandis systems 1b to become ‘ugamthilini’

Table 4: Invasive Alien Plants with isiZulu Name confused with existing isiZulu Common Name of indigenous plants.
Current
Scientific name
isiZulu NEMBA Category of
No. (English Problem with the current name Proposed isiZulu Common Name and Rationale
Common listing
Common Name)
Name (s)
1b
in Eastern Cape, ‘Isibhaha’ is a name of an indigenous tree
Schinus KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Warburgia salutaris ‘Isihlekehleke’- this refers to the shape of the tree crown,
terebinthifolius uthango; Mpumalanga, ‘Uthango’ refers to anything used as a which is untidily spread. In isiZulu, this is not a polite word
1 (Brazilian pepper isibhaha 3 in Free State, Gauteng, hedge, any plant used for fencing is called and thus a fitting negative name for an IAP.
tree) North-West, Northern ‘uthango’
Cape and Western Cape
“Unjengosolo’ – ‘unjengo’- it looks like, Albizia lebbeck
Albizia lebbeck unjengosolo, usolo is a Zulu name for an indigenous looks like an indigenous tree Albizia adianthifolia.
2
(Lebbeck tree) isolo 1b tree Albizia adianthifolia The proposed name indicates that it is an imitation of
something else (a wannabe)
Leucaena ‘Umdungazwe’ – ‘dunga’ agitate/ disturb, ‘izwe’ – country
ubobo, is name for an indigenous tree
3 leucocephala ubobo, ulusina 2 or region. The invasions of Leucaena leucocephala
Adenopodia spicata
(Leucaena) creates ecological disturbance.
‘uboboluncane’, sounds like it is a ‘Uvimbangameva’ – (direct translation would be “hold-
Caesalpinia subspecies of an indigenous tree back-with-thorns”). ‘vimba’ – is to restrict or prevent
4 decapetala uboboluncane 1b Adenopodia spicata, and this is movement, ‘ameva’- thorns. Where it invades it forms a
(Mauritius thorn) misleading. thick mass that blocks pathways
Sikhona isimila sendabuko esibizwa
‘uzimbeva’ The name ‘zimbeva’ is usually used to
Pereskia aculeata ngoqwaningi. Indigenous climber(Capparis
5 iqwaningi 1b characterize an angry, shouting person
(Pereskia) tomentosa) is already called ‘uqwaningi’
Umantuntanamanzi- ‘ntunta’- up and down movement
of a floating item, the Eichhornia crassipes is a floating
waterweed moving with the direction of water.
The name ‘umantuntanamanzi’ is made up of a verb
There is an indigenous plant called ‘izibu/ ‘ukuntunta’ which means to float and ‘namanzi’, which
Eichhornia uzibo amazibo’known by the same name means with water (direct translation would mean “floating
6 crassipes (Water 1b on water”). “Ukuntunta” means to wander or to move
hyacinth) about aimlessly. The plant wanders only aided by water,
which determines where it eventually ends up, hence the
name “umantuntanamanzi”.

Volume 8 • Issue 1 • 1000207 • Page 5 of 8 •

Citation: Nxele BJ, Mdletshe BA, Memela BEB, Nxumalo M, Sithole JH, et al. (2019) Naming Invasive Alien Plants into Indigenous Languages: KwaZulu-Natal
Case Study, South Africa. J Biodivers Manage Forestry 8:1.

doi: 10.4172/2327-4417.1000207

The proposed name was ‘icilongo (trumpet)’ because

the shape of the flower of the plant resembles a trumpet.
Lilium formosanum Intebe is a name for an indigenous plant,
Another proposed name was ‘ubhubha’ (destroy) because
7 (St’ Josephs lily) intebe 1b Zantedeschia aethiopica (White arum lily)
the plant transforms and destroys grasslands into St
Joseph’s lily fields (E).
Table 5: Public engagement workshops where the concept of naming Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) into isiZulu was presented either for awareness purposes or for the
testing of proposed names for IAPs.
Area name
Purpose of Number of
Forum Forum scale where meeting Audience Date
presentation attendees
held
Government Departments; Government Agencies; Awareness August 2013 40
Krantzkloof
KZN IAS Forum Provincial Academics; Conservancies; Conservation Authorities;
Nature Reserve Awareness August 2015 41
Consultants; NGOs; NPOs; civil society
eThekwini
National & Provincial Government Departments; Academia;
Municipality IAS Paradise Valley
Regional Conservancies; Conservation Authorities; Consultants; NPOs; Awareness May 2018 62
Management Plan Nature Reserve
NGOs; Government Agencies;
Forum
Ugu District
Ugu District
Municipality IAS Regional Municipal officials Awareness September 2015 25
Municipality
Forum
Leadership Council Awareness August 2014 23
Abathembu
Leadership, traditional healers Testing April 2014 41
Traditional Local Molweni
Authority Leadership, traditional healers and members of the
Testing August 2014 61
community
KwaCele Traditional Healers Testing June 2018 18
Traditional Local Engonyameni
Authority Mixed community members including teachers & leadership Testing July 2018 36
Environmentalists; Ward Councillors; Ecologists; Government
eThekwini eThekwini
Regional Departments; Academics; Government Agencies; Awareness November 2017 52
Biodiversity Forum Municipality
Conservancies; Consultants; NPOs & NGOs
Environmentalists; Ward Councillors; Ecologists; Government
eThekwini Weed eThekwini
Provincial Departments; Academics; Government Agencies; Awareness November 2017 60
Buster Week Municipality
Conservancies; NPOs & NGOs

communities around invasive alien species, and this submission is from ‘ukukhephuka’ which means production and in this instance,
aimed at serving such objectives [26]. production of odour. This was informed by the terrible, pungent smell
the plant produces in spite of how beautiful it looks. The contributors
Results and Discussion then capitalized on this attribute of the plant.
In instances where IAPs have isiZulu name not used for any Plants widely known by their English Common Name, which
indigenous plant extra effort was given on finding indigenous plants did not clash with names of indigenous plants, had their borrowed
that might look similar to that IAP, for instance Lantana camara (IAP) names formalized and adopted. Examples were Campuloclinium
and Lantana rugosa (indigenous). Where there were such similar macrocephalum (Pom pom) and Eacalyptus grandis (Gumtree), the
looking plants, the contributors ensured such plants had different names of which were adopted as “uphomuphomu” and “ugamthilini”,
isiZulu names. During the naming process, when a name was suggested respectively (Table 3). This was done by writing the name in isiZulu in
contributors would ensure the proposed name is not already used for order to retain the pronunciation aspect which ensured people would
any other plant whether IAP or indigenous. For instance Solanum continue recognizing and calling the plant by the same name.
mauritianum (Bug weed) is commonly known as ‘umbhangabhanga’
whereas this is isiZulu Common Name for an indigenous tree Trema For IAPs sharing isiZulu name with an indigenous plant, it
orientalis. The acceptable isiZulu Common Name for Bug weed appeared people would name a plant based on what known plant it
should be ‘ubhongabhonga’, which is interchangeably used with resembles. Within the Zulu culture, many indigenous plants are used
“umbhangabhanga” and is taken from the verb ‘bhongozela’- meaning for cultural and/or medicinal purposes. For example, an erect unarmed
ubraptly fast. IAP shrub Leucaena leucocephala is called ‘ubobo’. Ubobo is the isiZulu
Common Name for an indigenous shrub Adenopodia spicata, while
In relation to naming IAPs with negative names, Parthenium the very different thorny IAP scrambler Ceasalpinia decapetala is
hystephorus (Famine weed), which has numerous negative impacts called ‘ubobo oluncane’ as if it is a variety or subspecies of A.spicata
such as large-scale transformation of habitats and forming continuous (Table 4). All of these three shrubs belong to the family Fabaceae,
thickets that render the land of less value to people, was given the name have scrambling stems, bipinnately-compound, opposite leaves but
‘umbulalazwe’. When vast areas of land become of less value, it becomes Leucaena leucocephala has no thorns. To a non-botanist’s eyes all three
as though the land itself has ‘died’. Parthenium invasions have severe of these plants look similar, suggesting to the uninformed that both L.
socio-economic and ecological impacts that cripple, destroy a country’s leucocephala and C. decapitala could also be used as a traditional cure
economy. This name was derived from ‘bulala’ – which is to kill, and for chest pains or to increase the power of Sangomas as A. spicata is
‘izwe’ – which is land (Table 3). used by traditional Zulu communities for both those purposes.
Another example of applying negativity in the naming process was The herbaceous invader, Lilium formosa is commonly known as
demonstrated in naming Senna didymobotrya (Peanut Butter Cassia) ‘St Joseph’s lily’ or Trumpet lily (Table 4). The adjective ‘St’ is taken
into ‘umakhephuka (Table 3). The name ‘umakhephuka’ was derived from the noun ‘Saint’ referring to ‘a holy person’; the name suggests

Volume 8 • Issue 1 • 1000207 • Page 6 of 8 •

Citation: Nxele BJ, Mdletshe BA, Memela BEB, Nxumalo M, Sithole JH, et al. (2019) Naming Invasive Alien Plants into Indigenous Languages: KwaZulu-Natal
Case Study, South Africa. J Biodivers Manage Forestry 8:1.

doi: 10.4172/2327-4417.1000207

it is a good plant but how then can the public get rid of a plant that is only be confined to the province of KwaZulu-Natal, other provinces
synonymous with a holy person? In isiZulu it is called ‘intebe’ whereas and countries are strongly encouraged to do the same if they have not
that is a name for an indigenous White arum lily scientifically known as already done so.
Zantedeschia aethiopica. The new Zulu name devised for a St Joseph’s Acknowledgments
lily is ‘ubhubha’, taken from the verb ‘ukubhubhisa’ meaning ‘to
destroy’. It mainly invades grasslands and converts it into St Joseph’s The authors would like to thank the following stakeholders;
lily field, characterized by funnel-shaped white flowers. • Mr Mkhipheni Ngwenya of the KwaZulu-Natal Herbarium in Durban for his
contribution during the naming process and also his guidance.
Caesalpinia decapetala has been given the name “uvimbangameva”
• Thabiso Cele, former intern for the South African National Biodiversity
based on its aggressive behaviour, ‘uvimbangameva’, the verb ‘vimba’ Institute (SANBI)
means to stop/restrict or prevent movement and ‘ameva’ are thorns
• Samukelisiwe Mkhwanazi, Area Manager for Department of Environmental
(Table 4). Therefore, the name “uvimbangameva” implies that the plant
Affairs for her input during the early stages of the project.
prevents movementby its thorns. Passing through a heavy infestation of
this plant is impossible without getting hurt by its strong thorns which • The Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department
(EPCPD), of eThekwini Municipality for access to its products, the
hook and scratch. Thorns and spines are called ‘ameva’ in isiZulu. Beautiful but Dangerous Posters and Flashcards. These provided the
Pereskia aceulata is another thorny IAP which has been proposed foundation of the species reviewed.
(through this submision) to be called ‘izimbeva’ (Table 4). This isiZulu • The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the Wildlife
common name depicts an aggressive behavior of Pereskia aceulata Society of South Africa (WESSA) for invasive species out of their invasive
because it of its terrifying and dangerous spines. species lists. Once again, these species contributed as a foundation of
species under review by the authors of this project.
After names were proposed, they were presented at various
• The respective organizations and institutes, serving as employers of
platforms including Community Forums (Table 5). The advantage of the authors, for allowing their respective employees to be part of this
such engagements was not only to test the proposed names but also undertaking.
to get access to what the community might be calling these plants. A • Dr Sandra J. Land from the Durban University of Technology (DUT),
classic example was the Pistia stratiotes, which the contributors had South Africa.
named “umantuntanamanzi”. During the community engagement
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Citation: Nxele BJ, Mdletshe BA, Memela BEB, Nxumalo M, Sithole JH, et al. (2019) Naming Invasive Alien Plants into Indigenous Languages: KwaZulu-Natal
Case Study, South Africa. J Biodivers Manage Forestry 8:1.

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Author Affiliation Top

Environmental Planning & Climate Protection
1
Department, EThekwini
Municipality, 166 KE Masinga, Durban 4001
South African National Biodiversity Institute, 7 Linden Road, Durban 4001
2

Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs,

3

Private Bag X 9152, Pietermaritzburg, 3200.

4
Department of Environmental Affairs - Natural Resources Management
Wildlife & Environmental Society of Southern Africa (WESSA), 10 Brand Road,
5

Glenwood, Durban, 4001

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