oger (uk -) oker (ug -) |
in Uw Oykangand in Uw Olkola |
Fish poison wattle, Acacia holosericea |
The fish poison wattle, Acacia holosericea (family Mimosaceae), is a small tree or shrub with yellow flowers and broad, hairy leaves. The pods coil up together to form dense clusters. This tree is found most commonly near freshwater streams but sometimes in open woodland. The leaves of this tree are used as a bush soap. The soapy foam comes of of the leaves when they are rubbed in the water. The soap has a stupefying effect on fish and the leaves are important as a fish poison. Lofty Yam: This one for poison fish, little one, pull this here [the leaf] rub him, put soap in the water, oger, we call him. Put him in basket, soak him in the water. |