Vernacular names and uses of plants in Northern Kenya

Abstract

A list is presented, derived from published and unpublished accounts, of plant vernacular names and uses from the Pokot, Turkana and Marakwet peoples of north western Kenya. Uses are classified under medicinal, human food, human domestic use and livestock fodder. The knowledge and utilization of the flora is seen to be extensive, with 92% of the 888 species recorded having a vernacular name. About 46% of plants are used medicinally by at least one group of peoples, about 24% can be eaten by humans, about 23% are used for domestic purposes and 43% are eaten by domestic livestock.

Journal of East African Natural History Vol. 83 (1) 1994: pp. 31-69