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A Pilot Study in northern Namibia |
Part 2. The Ombidi speciesThe 14 data sheets describe the most common species used as spinach in north central Namibia. The aim is to give the reader a short description of each species and link the scientific, common and local names. The species are illustrated with our own photos. The following format was used:BOTANICAL NAMEThe scientific name is listed as identified from books and with the help of the National Botanical Resources Institute (NBRI), Windhoek. In a few cases, important synonyms are also listed. e.g. Cleome gynandra is the correct name, but the common synonym Gynandropsis gynandra is still found in older literature.Identification was based on plant photos and herbarium specimens collected during the wet season. Some herbarium specimens did not have flowers or gathered mould when dried during the rainy period so a full identification was not possible. We assume that the genera names are now correct for all 14 ombidi species, but some species have not yet been identified to species level. It is planned to make a check-up on botanical names by an experienced botanist during the first half of year 2001. COMMON NAMEThe common English or Afrikaans names are listed where known. These names are less important in Namibia, however, as they are not known or used by farmers in the area. Many of the species do not even have a common name in English.LOCAL NAMESLocal names are very important for the Ombidi species. We tried to find as many local names as possible and to indicate exactly which dialect use a specific name. For more on the dialects in northern Namibia refer to the page on dialects.DESCRIPTIONA short and practical description without difficult botanical terms. Most readers in Namibia should be able to identify the species on basis of the photo, the short description and the local names. Scientific readers are referred to botanical books for a more scientific description.USEThe use of each species is listed where possible. The study focused on the use as spinach so no information was given about other uses.POTENTIAL FOR CULTIVATIONThe potential for cultivation is a tentative conclusion, based on farmers’ use of spinach, their information (from the survey) and years of field observations by the work group.The ideal spinach plant for cultivation should establish fast after the first rains, grow vigorously and vegetatively and produce a wealth of highly palatable leaves. The leaves should not contain bitter components or other harmful substances. Production of leaves should continue for as long as possible into the dry and cold season to allow a longer collecting period outside the very busy crop season. Seed production should be reliable and seeds be easy to pick, clean and store. Successful
field tests are required before the potential of species for can be properly
assessed.
The Final list of spinach species (after correction by the Ombidi work group)
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