Herbs Akan Names in Ghana, West Africa
A Comprehensive Guide to Herbs in Twi: Unveiling Nature's Bounty
Herbs Akan Names in Ghana, West Africa
A Comprehensive Guide to Herbs in Twi: Unveiling Nature’s Bounty
What are Herbs
Herbs are plants that are valued for their flavor, fragrance, medicinal properties, or other qualities. They are typically used in cooking, for their aromatic and flavor-enhancing characteristics, as well as in traditional and alternative medicine for their potential health benefits.
Herbs are distinct from spices, which are usually dried and come from other parts of the plant, such as seeds, bark, or roots.
They can be used fresh or dried, and they add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes. Additionally, many herbs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their potential therapeutic effects. It’s important to note that while herbs can contribute to overall well-being, they should not be considered as substitutes for professional medical advice or treatment.
What is Twi Language and who are the people that speak it?
“Twi, also known as Akan Kasa, or Akan-speak, is a dialect of the Akan language spoken by millions of people in southern and central Ghana, primarily of the Akan people, the largest of Ghana’s seventeen major ethnic groups,” according to Wikipedia.
The Twi language is spoken by roughly 17–18 million people in Ghana, including second-language speakers; Twi is spoken as a first or second language by about 80% of the population. Twi is a tonal language, like other West African languages.”
Introduction to Twi Language and Culture: Overview of Herbs and Their Twi Names & Uses in Africa
Twi, a language spoken in Ghana, is rich in cultural nuances and steeped in traditional wisdom. One aspect of this cultural wealth is the use of herbs for various purposes, from culinary delights to medicinal remedies.
In Twi culture, herbs play a crucial role in both the kitchen and traditional medicine. This guide provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Twi herbs, showcasing the diverse flavors and potential health benefits that these botanical treasures offer.
As the appreciation for traditional knowledge and natural remedies continues to grow, the significance of these herbs in Twi culture becomes increasingly apparent, highlighting the harmonious relationship between the people and the land they call home.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the BASIC names of herbs in Twi, shedding light on the diverse flora that graces this West African region.
- Ntɔn: Basil
Basil, known as “ntɔn” in Twi, is a fragrant herb with a distinct taste profile. Widely used in Twi cuisine, it imparts a unique flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Additionally, basil is believed to have medicinal properties, with some attributing it to the alleviation of digestive issues.
- Nkrum: Rosemary
Rosemary, or “nkrum” in Twi, is a woody herb with a pine-like aroma. In Twi culture, it is often used to season meats, giving them a flavorful and aromatic touch. Beyond the culinary realm, rosemary is valued for its potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties and memory enhancement.
- Kɔba: Mint
Mint, known as “kɔba” in Twi, is a refreshing herb used both in culinary and medicinal applications. In Twi cuisine, mint is employed to add a cool and invigorating element to dishes. Medicinally, it is often associated with aiding digestion and soothing stomach discomfort.
- Nsa: Parsley
Parsley, referred to as “nsa” in Twi, is a versatile herb known for its vibrant green leaves. In Twi culinary traditions, parsley is used to garnish and enhance the visual appeal of various dishes. It is also recognized for potential health benefits, including being a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Dɔdɔma: Cilantro/Coriander
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is called “dɔdɔma” in Twi. This herb is a staple in Twi cuisine, providing a citrusy and pungent flavor.
From soups to stews, cilantro is used to impart a distinctive taste to a range of dishes. In addition to its culinary uses, cilantro is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Nkrumah nkɔtɔ: Thyme
Thyme, known as “nkrumah nkɔtɔ” in Twi, is a herb celebrated for its aromatic leaves. In Twi culinary practices, thyme is used to season a variety of dishes, especially those featuring meats and stews. Beyond its culinary applications, thyme is valued for potential antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Nkran dwa nsusua: Lemongrass
Lemongrass, or “nkran dwa nsusua” in Twi, is a fragrant herb with a distinct lemon flavor. In Twi cuisine, lemongrass is used to infuse a citrusy note into soups, stews, and teas. Medicinally, it is often associated with digestive and respiratory benefits.
- Adwuma wura: Sage
Sage, known as “adwuma wura” in Twi, is a herb characterized by its velvety leaves and earthy flavor. In Twi culinary traditions, sage is employed to season meats and add depth to savory dishes.
Traditionally, sage is also recognized for its potential medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
- Nkwagyei: Oregano
Oregano, referred to as “nkwagyei” in Twi, is a flavorful herb widely used in Twi cuisine. It is a common addition to pizzas, sauces, and grilled dishes, imparting a robust taste. Oregano is also known for potential health benefits, including antimicrobial properties.
- Sɛmɛ: Chives
Chives, known as “sɛmɛ” in Twi, are slender green herbs related to onions and garlic. In
Twi cuisine, chives are often used as a garnish to add a mild onion flavor to various dishes. Rich in vitamins and minerals, chives are valued not only for their culinary contributions but also for potential health benefits.
Parsley in Twi language: Twi name for Parsley leaves in Ghana
What is the twig name for parsley leaves: What is the local name for parsley leaf? What is parsley in Ghana?
In Twi, which is a language spoken in Ghana, parsley leaves are often referred to as “Nkontomire” or “Nkontomire dua.” Please note that local languages may have variations, and the names can sometimes differ between regions or communities within Ghana.
Importance of Herbs in Twi Culture
Herbs play a multifaceted role in Twi culture, encompassing medicinal, spiritual, culinary, and symbolic aspects. The use of herbs reflects the cultural identity, values, and deep connection to nature that characterize the Twi people.
Herbs hold significant importance in Twi culture, which is an Akan ethnic group in Ghana. The use of herbs is deeply rooted in the traditional practices, beliefs, and daily lives of the Twi people. Here are some key aspects highlighting the importance of herbs in Twi culture:
1.Medicinal Purposes:
– Traditional healers in Twi culture often rely on herbs for medicinal purposes. These herbal remedies are believed to have healing properties and are used to treat various ailments. The knowledge of herbal medicine is typically passed down through generations within families or among traditional healers.
2.Spiritual and Ritualistic Uses:
– Herbs are integral to spiritual and ritualistic practices in Twi culture. They are often used in ceremonies, rituals, and rites of passage. Certain herbs are considered sacred and are used to invoke spiritual blessings, cleanse individuals, or protect against evil spirits.
- Culinary Uses:
– Herbs are commonly used in Twi cuisine to enhance the flavor of dishes. Traditional Twi dishes often incorporate a variety of herbs and spices, contributing to the unique and rich taste of their culinary creations.
- Symbolism and Cultural Significance:
– Some herbs hold symbolic meaning in Twi culture. They may be associated with specific values, virtues, or historical events. The use of certain herbs in cultural practices serves as a way to connect with the community’s history and traditions.
- Fertility and Reproductive Health:
– Certain herbs are believed to have properties that promote fertility and reproductive health. In Twi culture, there are rituals and practices involving the use of specific herbs to enhance fertility or protect expectant mothers.
- Connection to Nature:
– The use of herbs in Twi culture reflects a deep connection to nature. The Twi people believe in the holistic relationship between humans and the natural world, and herbs play a vital role in maintaining this balance.
- Traditional Cleansing and Purification:
– Herbs are used for cleansing and purification rituals. Whether it’s an individual seeking spiritual purification or a community undergoing a cleansing ceremony, specific herbs are often burned or used in various forms to purify the surroundings and participants.
- Traditional Knowledge and Wisdom:
– The knowledge of herbs and their uses is often passed down through oral traditions and practical experiences. Elders and traditional healers are revered for their wisdom and expertise in understanding the properties and applications of various herbs.
HERBS TWI NAMES
Ghana is home to a diverse range of medicinal plants. They have over 2,000 herbs having Twi or Akan names and some of the herbs are listed below:
| TWI NAME OF PLANTS | scientific name | family |
| Dammabo, Obirekuo Aniwa | Abrus precatorus | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Oguaben | Acacia kamerunensis | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Mofoa | Acacia sieberiana | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Nwere | Acacia pennata | Fabaceae |
| Nufoten | Adansonia digitata | Malvaceae/Bombacaceae |
| Okyem | Adenia cissamploides | Passifloraceae |
| Nsurogya | Adenia rumicifolia | Passifloraceae |
| Bronsaud, Dua Bayif, Tebon, Tibini | Afromorsia laxifolia | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Aligna, Apapao, Opapao | Afzelia africana | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Guakro, Gu-Ekuro, Adwowa-Kuro, Gu-Ekura | Ageratum conyzoides | Asteraceae |
| Okun-Adada | Alafia multiflora | Apocynaceae |
| Osupampam | Albizia ferruginea | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Osupampam | Albizia zygia | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Mofoa | Alcaypha ciliata | Euphorbiaceae |
| Agyama, Agyamma, Ogyamma, Ogyama | Alchornea cordifolia | Euphorbiaceae |
| Obifi Bowe | Allanblackia floribunda | Guttiferae |
| Gyeine | Allium cepa | Liliaceae |
| Gyenekankan | Allium sativum | Liliaceae |
| Nyamedua | Alstonia boonei | Apocynaceae |
| Nkassenkasee, Nsoensoe | Alternanthera pungens | Amaranthaceae |
| Efan, Otofammen | Amaranthus hybridus | Amaranthaceae |
| Asanfran | Amphimas pterocarpiodes | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Atea | Anacardium occidentale | Anacardiaceae |
| Abrobe | Ananas comosus | Bromeliaceae |
| Nkranmmorobe | Annona muricata | Annonaceae |
| Saa Borofere, Aboboma | Annona senegalensis | Annonaceae |
| Osakanea | Anogeissus leiocarpa | Combretaceae |
| Kokoti | Anopycis klaineana | Rhizophoraceae |
| Awudifo Kete/ Dontidei | Anthocleista nobilis | Loganiaceae |
| Awudifo Kete/ Dontidei | Anthocleista vogelii | Loganiaceae |
| Totoro A | Anthonotha macrophylla | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Foto, Kyenkyen | Antiaris toxicaria | Moraceae |
| Wee | Apocynum cannabinum | Apocynaceae |
| Akusiribie | Argemone mexicana | Papavaraceae |
| Mfofo | Aspilia africana | Asteraceae |
| Nimsi, Dua Gyene | Azadirachta indica | Meliaceae |
| Kabowoo | Balnites aegyptica | Balanitaceae |
| Pampro | Bambusa vulgaris | Graminae |
| Odwene, Aduma | Baphia nitida | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Dwirentwi, Gyinantwi | Bidens pilosa | Asteraceae |
| Anato, Brofo Gyama | Bixa orellana | Bixaceae |
| Ankye Fitaa | Blighia sapida | Sapindaceae |
| Akyebiri | Blighia unijugata | Sapindaceae |
| Ofonnena, Praaduru | Blumea aurita | Asteraceae |
| Onyina/ Agartha | Bombax buonopozense | Malvaceae |
| Frankaa Dua | Boswellia dalzielii | Burseraceae |
| Opampotoporopoo | Bridelia atroviridis | Euphorbiaceae |
| Baree, Opam Fufuo, Badea | Bridelia ferrugina | Euphorbiaceae |
| Egoro, Sosompraegoro, Tameawu | Bryophyllum pinnatum | Crassulaceae |
| Esono Bese | Buchbolziz coriacea | Capparaceae |
| Nkuto | Butyrospermum parkii | Sapotaceae |
| Oware Aba, Abobadwe, Ababoo | Caesalpinia bonduc | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Hwentewitente, Gyeadawuro | Calliandra portoricensis | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Esono-Afe, Esono-Akyi | Caloncoba echinata | Flacourtiaceae |
| Mpatu-Asa | Calotropis procera | Asclepiadaceae |
| Wee | Cannabis sativa | Cannabaceae |
| Nhyirawa | Capsicum annum | Solanaceae |
| Amako | Capsicum frutescens | Solanaceae |
| Borofere, Boroferedua, Buruku-Mani | Carica papaya | Caricaceae |
| Nkonkyere | Carissa edulis | Apocynaceae |
| Osempe, Yamnua, Duawusu,Duawusio | Cassia alata | Caesalpinaceae |
| Mmfrabon, Osempe, Denkyenhwe | Cassia nigricans | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Osempenini,Peagoro, Saresoosempe | Cassia podocarpa | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Kata Wani Na Wasereba | Cassia rotundifolia | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Poto Rodom | Cassia sieberiana | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Onyina | Ceiba pentandra | Bombaceae |
| Anoatre Dua | Cinnamomum zeylanicum | Lauraceae |
| Akura Aso+B25B36A1:A1:B26 | Cissampelos mucronata | Menispermaceae |
| Nsurogya | Cissus quadrangularis | Vitaceae |
| Ankaadwea, Akenkaaa, Ankaatweree | Citrus aurantifolia | Rutaceae |
| Ankaapa | Citrus sinensis | Rutaceae |
| Sesa Dua, Dua Wonsi, Samandua | Clausena anisata | Rutaceae |
| Nkyene Ne Ngo | Cleistopholis patens | Annonaceae |
| Kumanuno | Clerodendrion volubile | Verbenaceae |
| Apose, Aporose, Apowse | Cnestis ferruginea | Connaraceae |
| Asaamenketewa, Asamankyekye | Coccinea barteri | Cucurbitaceae |
| Kube | Cocos nucifera | Palmae |
| Bese Kyem, Bese Hene | Cola nitida | Sterculiaceae |
| Amankani | Colocasia esculenta | Araceae |
| Atena | Combretum fragrans | Combretaceae |
| Ase-Rewagyama | Combretum platyptenan | Combretaceae |
| Ohwirem Nim | Combretum platypterum | Combretaceae |
| Ohwirem, Hwiremu | Combretum smeathmannii | Combretaceae |
| Akaboa, Akyaboa | Cordia millenii | Boraginaceae |
| Sukooko | Crinum jagus | Amaryllidaceae |
| Akonansa, Mfansu | Croton lobatus | Euphorbiaceae |
| Tetetete | Crotalaria falcata | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Nibima | Cryptolepis sanguinolenta | Periplocaceae |
| Apupuaa, Mpupuaa, Apupua | Cyathula prostrata | Amaranthaceae |
| Ti-Ahaban | Cymbopogon citratus | Graminaceae |
| Dua-Mmem, Ata-Adwe | Cyperus esculentus | Cyperaceae |
| Osena | Dalium guineense | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Ehyedua, Siadua | Daniellia ogea | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Osanya | Daniellia oliveri | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Nkokoyadee Aduro | Datura metel | Solanaceae |
| Carrot | Daucus carota | Apiaceae |
| Akwamfanu, Nkatenkate, Ananse Nkate | Desmodium adscendens | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Sampa, Akwamfame | Desmodium gangeticum | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Atee-Nini | Dialium dinklagei | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Ofoawabin | Dichapetalum toxicarium | Dichapecalaceae |
| Ntewhama | Dioclea reflexa | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Ahabayere | Dioscorea dumetonan | Dioscoreaceae |
| Bonsamdua | Distemonanthus benthamianus | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Okisibiri | Diospyros mespiliformis | Ebenaceae |
| Boreadaso, Borekete, Obommofawaw | Dissotis rotundifolia | Melastomataceae |
| Akokoantre, Kwaebeten | Dracaena surculosa | Agavaceae |
| Duamoko | Drypetes aubrevillei | Putranjivaceae |
| Ntum | Edipta prostrata | Asteraceae |
| Okusua | Ehretia cymosa | Boraginaceae |
| Elaeis guineensis | Palmae | |
| Akane, Kakan | Elaeophorbia grandifolia | Euphorbiaceae |
| Guakuru, Mamponfo Apow, Guakoro | Emilia sonchifolia | Asteraceae |
| Sankwituri | Entada abyssinica | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Duasika Kodoben | Enantia polycarpa | Annonaceae |
| Mfia, Oyee | Eremospatha macrocarpa | Palmae |
| Osurokasoro, Surukasuru | Erythrina senegalensis | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Dusinkro | Eudenia eminens | Capparaceae |
| Animakoa, Nim Akoa, Nufu Nsu, Awommaaguwakyi | Euphorbia hirta | Euphorbiaceae |
| Onyannkyeren | Ficus asperifolia | Moraceae |
| Odomaa | Ficus sur | Moraceae |
| Kotoprepre | Gilbertiodendron lonba | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Ofoto | Glyphaea brevis | Tiliaceae |
| Gomphrena celosoides | Amaranthaceae | |
| Nsurogya | Gongronema latifolium | Asclepiadaceae |
| Asaawa | Gossypium arboreum | Malvaceae |
| Kagya | Griffonia simplicifolia | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Dubrafoo | Grossera vignei | Euphorbiaceae |
| Oduben, Bofua | Harungana madagascariensis | Hypericaceae |
| Akokotuatu, Akomfemtikoro, Asam-Konakyi | Helitropium indicum | Boraginaceae |
| Ekyi | Hibiscus vitifolius | Malvaceae |
| Anafranaku, Suruka Suru | Hilleria latifolia | Phytolacaceae |
| Aberewaaninsu, Asifuaka, Nunumnini | Hoslundia opposita | Lamiaceae |
| Opeabaa | Hyptis pectinata | Lamiaceae |
| Tokorowa | Hymenostedia afzelii | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Aborototo, Akeneadua, Nkrangyedua | Jatropha curcas | Euphorbiaceae |
| Akwaabohoro | Khaya anthotheca | Meliaceae |
| Odupon | Khaya ivorensis | Meliaceae |
| Kuntunkuri | Khaya senegalensis | Meliaceae |
| Katiwa, Kontiwa | Lagenaria breviflora | Cucurbitaceae |
| Kuntunkuri | Lannea acida | Anacardiaceae |
| Okumnini, Aberewa, Nyansin | Lannea welwitschii | Anacardiaceae |
| Dwindwera | Lecaniodiscus cupniodes | Sapindaceae |
| Agyaben, Okatanini, Okatakyi | Leea guineensis | Ampelidaceae |
| Akase, Ofefraa | Lonchocarpus cyanescens | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Abrofo Sapo | Luffa acutangula | Cucurbitaceae |
| Ntosi, Tomato | Lycopersicum esculentum | Solanaceae |
| Sansa Werew | Macharium lunatum | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Osataduaa, Nyanyamforowa | Mallotus oppositifolius | Euphorbiaceae |
| Mango, Amango | Mangifera indica | Anacardiaceae |
| Bankye | Manihot esculenta | Euphorbiaceae |
| Aprono | Mansonia altissima | Sterculiaceae |
| Odubrafo | Mareya micrantha | Euphorbiaceae |
| Akoobowerew | Mezoneuron benthamianum | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Afuwa, Ofoabri, Afawa | Microdesmis puberula | Euphorbiaceae |
| Asomenewa, Esono-Mbabe, Pofiri | Microglossa afzelii | Asteraceae |
| Esono-Mbabe, Asommerewa, Pofiri | Microglossa pyrifolia | Asteraceae |
| Nantwimuawano | Mimosa pudica | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Odum | Milicia excelsa | Moraceae |
| Baya | Mitragyna stipulosa | Rubiaceae |
| Mollugo nudicaulis | Agavaceae | |
| Nyannya,Nyina, Nyinya | Momordica charantia | Cucurbitaceae |
| Asaasehwam | Mondia whitei | Apocynaceae |
| Awerewa, Weree | Monodora myristica | Annonaceae |
| Abotokuradua, Dubiri | Monodora tenuifolia | Annonaceae |
| Konkroma | Morinda lucida | Rubiaceae |
| Brode | Musa paradisiaca | Musaceae |
| Kwadu | Musa sapientum | Musaceae |
| Damenama | Mussaenda erythrophylla | Rubiaceae |
| Damaram | Mussaenda elegans | Rubiaceae |
| Anyankoma | Myrianthus arboreus | Moraceae |
| Obua | Napolconeae leonensis | Locythiadaceae |
| Susumasa, Sasanemasa | Newbouldia levis | Bignoniaceae |
| Tawa, Bonto | Nicotiana tabacum | Solanaceae |
| Brampe, Kankanu,Paya Biase, Supaka | Nuclea latifolia | Rubiaceae |
| Emmei/Akokobesa/Fiangoro | Ocimum basilicum | Lamiaceae |
| Akokobesa | Ocimum canum | Lamiaceae |
| Onunum, Nunum | Ocimum gratissimum | Lamiaceae |
| Ahoohenedua | Olax subscorpioidea | Olacaceae |
| Odoroben | Olyra latifolia | Graminaceae |
| Asratoa | Oncoba spinosa | Flacourtiaceae |
| Obohwe, Korantema | Oxyanthus speciosus | Rubiaceae |
| Kramankote | Pachypodanthium staudtii | Annonaceae |
| Mpentemi | Palisota hirsuta | Commelinaceae |
| Atena | Parinari curatellifolia | Chrysobalanaceae |
| Opam, Kwanedua, Ofam | Parinari excelsa | Chrysobalanaceae |
| Dawadawa, Osonkoran, Soronoo | Parkia biglobosa | Leguminosae |
| Asoma | Parkia bicolor | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Abakamo, Abakama | Parquetina nigrescens | Periplocaceae |
| Okramankote | Penianthus zenkeri | Menispermaceae |
| Bubuampere | Pentodon pentandrus | Rubiaceae |
| Nsurogya | Pergularia daemia | Asclepiadaceae |
| Esia, Esia-Kokobin, Asia | Petersianthus macrocarpus | Lecythidaceae |
| Awomma Agu W’akyi | Phyllanthus amarus | Euphorbiaceae |
| Awobe | Phyllanthus capillaris | Euphorbiaceae |
| Awomma Agu W’akyi, Awobe | Phyllanthus fraternus spp. Togoensis | Euphorbiaceae |
| Awobe | Phyllanthus muellerianus | Euphorbiaceae |
| Awomma Agu W’akyi | Phyllanthus niruri | Euphorbiaceae |
| Tataworotaa, Osaman Ntew | Physostigma venenosum | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Ahoro | Phytolacca dodecandra | Phytolacaceae |
| Akuama, Ekuama, Okwanwen | Picralima nitida | Apocynaceae |
| Opitipata, Tofotafa | Piliostigma reticulatum | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Otokotaka | Pilostigma thonningii | L: Conjunctivitis, Snake Bite, Hemorrhage, Ls: Pruritus (Filaria), R:Wounds, Leafy Stalk: Chickenpox |
| Amumuaha, Amuaha | Piper umbellatum | Piperaceae |
| Dahoma / Dawoma/ Debema | Piptadeniastrum africanum | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Kanwene, Okanwene | Pleiocarpa pycnantha | Apocynaceae |
| Ohyewgya, Opapawhea | Plumbago zeylanicum | Plumbaginaceae |
| Adwera, Adwere | Portulaca olacea | Portulacaceae |
| Gyengya Aforowa | Premna hispida | Verbenaceae |
| Gyengya Aforowa | Premna quadrifolia | Verbenaceae |
| Kokrodoso | Prosopis africana | Fabaceae |
| Kuru Beta | Pseudocendrela kotschii | Meliaceae |
| Oguawa | Psidium guajava | Myrtaceae |
| Nkonkonua | Psychotria calva | Rubiaceae |
| Osantew, Hote | Pterocarpus santalinoides | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Ogyapam | Psydrax subcordata | Rubiaceae |
| Kyere | Pterygota macrocarpa | Sterculiaceae |
| Pupalia lappacea | Amaranthaceae | |
| Otie | Pycnanthus angolensis | Myristicaceae |
| Pycnocoma cornuta | Euphorbiaceae | |
| Doka, Adobe | Raffia bookeri | Palmae |
| Kakapenpen | Rawolfia vomitoria | Apocynaceae |
| Nsurogya | Rhipsalis baccifera | Cactaceae |
| Onwamma | Ricinodendron heudelotii | Euphorbiaceae |
| Adedenkruma | Ricinus communis | Euphorbiaceae |
| Awennade | Rotea coccinea | Connaraceae |
| Ahwere | Saccharum officinarum | Graminaceae |
| Twiton | Sanseviera longifolia | Agavaceae |
| Efum Wano | Schrankia leptocarpa | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Agyengyensu | Schwenekia americana | Solanaceae |
| Onyame Ko Metin, | Scoparia dulcis | Scrophulariaceae |
| Nkanna, Nkanewa | Securiega virosa | Euphorbiaceae |
| Mmofrabrode | Senna occidentalis | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Obraneatu Ata | Sida acuta | Malvaceae |
| Tenetene | Sida cordata | Malvaceae |
| Akyekyere | Sida cordifolia | Malvaceae |
| Ntorowa, Nyaadewa | Solanum incanum | Solanaceae |
| Nsusuwa, Asamantrowa | Solanum torvum | Solanaceae |
| Aninsu, Osisiriw, Kokoanisu | Spathodea campatulata | Bignoniaceae |
| Adru Kokoo, Okramankote | Sphenocentrum jollyanum | Menispermaceae |
| Atoa | Spondias mombin | Anacardiaceae |
| Ansam-Konakyi | Stachytarpheta angustifolia | Verbenaceae |
| Ofosow, Osofoa | Sterculia tragacantha | Sterculiaceae |
| Esonotokwakofuo | Stereospermum acuminatissimum | Bignoniaceae |
| Esonotokwakofuo,Tokwakofuo, | Stereospermum kunthianum | Bignoniaceae |
| Omaatwa | Strophanthus gratus | Apocynaceae |
| Amamfohama, Maatwa, Omaatwa | Strophanthus hispidus | Apocynaceae |
| Adwokuma | Strophanthus sannentosus | Apocynaceae |
| Nsubibiri, Dubri | Struchium sparganophora | Asteraceae |
| Mamponfo-Apow, Tutummirika | Synedrella nodiflora | Asteraceae |
| Ayeforoanto | Syzygium guineense | Myrtaceae |
| Borofo Sonkoran | Tanarindus indica | Leguminosae-Caesalpiniodeae |
| Ehwee | Tephrosia vogela | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Ongo | Terminalia glaucescens | Combretaceae |
| Emire | Terminalia ivorensis | Combretaceae |
| Ofram Kokoo | Terminalia superba | Combretaceae |
| Ongo | Terminalia laxiflora | Combretaceae |
| Akotopa | Tetracera alnifolia | Dilleniaceae |
| Prekese | Tetrapleura tetraptera | Leguminosae-Mimosoideae |
| Mmebaw | Thalia welwitschii | Marantaceae |
| Kookoo | Theobroma cacao | Sterculiaceae |
| Nyereme-Nyereme | Thevetia nerufolia | Apocynaceae |
| Kwaebedwaa | Thonningia sanguinea | Balanophoraceae |
| Mfo | Trianfetta condifolia | Tiliaceae |
| Afurum, Akwamfunu | Tribulus terrestris | Zygophyllaceae |
| Otan-Nuro, Opam, Tanduro | Trichilia monadelphia | Meliaceae |
| Kooko | Triplotaxis stellulifera | Asteraceae |
| Mfo | Tristmma coronatian | Melastomataceae |
| Ahunanyankwa | Turraea heterophylla | Meliaceae |
| Abotokuradua | Uvaria afzelii | Annonaceae |
| Anweda | Uveria chaema | Annonaceae |
| Awonwone | Vernonia amagdalina | Asteraceae |
| Adua | Vigna unguiculata | Leguminosae-Papilionoideae |
| Nku Dua | Vitellaria paradoxa | Sapotaceae |
| Afetewa, Abiswa | Vitex doniana | Verbenaceae |
| Apem | Waltheria indica | Sterculiaceae |
| Kwaemm, Samanankaa | Ximenia americana | Olacaceae |
| Hwentia | Xylopia aethiopica | Apocynaceae |
| Hwentia | Xylopia quintasii | Apocynaceae |
| Oba | Xylopia villosa | Annonaceae |
| Obaree, Okuo | Zanthoxyllum gilletia | Rutaceae |
| Okanto, Kanto, Yea | Zanthoxyllum xanthoxyloides | Rutaceae |
| Aburo | Zea mays | Graminaceae |
| Akakaduro, Kakaduro | Zingiber officinale | Zingiberaceae |
What are some of the most common herbs? Herbs And Their Twi Names
11 Herbs You Should Always Have in Your Kitchen
- Basil. Here’s a big-hitter herb that’s one of the most important.
- Rosemary. The perfume of this Mediterranean native herb is the strongest of all.
- Oregano
- Marjoram
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Mint
- Dill
Frequently Asked Questions on Herbs and Their Twi Names & Uses
What is the Twi name for holy basil? What spices do they use in Ghana?
Basil is another herb usually used almost everywhere in Ghana. It is known as Akuko Besa in Twi
What is the Ghanaian name for Sage?
Acheampong Atta-Boateng in Ghana – SAGE.
What is the Twi name for mint leaves?
- Mint Leaves (English) – Nunum (Twi)
- Tetrapleura Tetraptera(English) – Prekese
What is the Twi language for cloves?
Cloves in Twi are mentioned to as Dadoa Amba or Pepre. They are also named Mbrego Amba in Fante. The aromatic spice has a sweet flavour and best known for its use as a baking ingredient
What is the Twi name for cloves in Twi?
Pepre
In Ghana, cloves are called “Pepre” in Twi, and “Mbrego Amba” in Fante. It is also referred to as ‘kanafuru’ in Nigeria. They are available through the year per a country’s harvest season. It is commonly used in most of our local dishes and herbal drugs
What is the local name of clove?
kanafuru
Clove is a spice plant native to Indonesia. It belongs in the family Myrtaceae. It is also known as kanafuru in Yoruba Nigeria; most people call it Zobo pepper.
What is the local name for clove in Nigeria?
kanafuru
They are locally mentioned to as kanafuru in Yoruba, kanumfari in Hausa and kanafure in Igbo, they are. dried flower buds found in the clove tree.
Is cloves grown in Ghana?
One thing I will like to recommend is that cloves from Ghana are very strong so a little goes a long way
Twi name for bay leaf in Ghana: What is the local name of bay leaf?
Bay leaf is commonly known as Tejpatta. Tejpatta and is a small growing tree of about 20-30 feet in height.
Ghanaian herbs and their local names pdf: Twi name for herbs in ghana and their uses
What are the herbal medicinal plants in Ghana?
Medicinal plants for example, Mangifera indica, Azadirachta indica, Caripa papaya, Moringa oleifera, Elaeis guineensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa and others are very common, available and readily accessible to a number of people in the country, on which they hang on for treatment of common ailments and their holistic wellbeing.
