Embelia schimperi

The Plant Traditionally Chewed by Cattle Herders

Have you heard of Embelia schimperi?

Known as Kibugonit or Chackweet in Kipsigis, and Ol sani-onyukie among the Maasai, this indigenous plant grows at elevations of about 1,500 to 2,600 metres above sea level.

One interesting piece of traditional knowledge associated with this plant is the practice of chewing its leaves. Cattle herders, known in Kikuyu as ariithi, were traditionally associated with chewing the leaves, a practice remembered through the expression “Matindia ariithi.”

It is a reminder that indigenous plants were part of everyday life in ways that went beyond food, medicine and construction. Some were associated with the routines and experiences of people who spent long hours herding livestock.

These are the kinds of details worth documenting before they disappear from community memory.

Do you know this plant, and what was it called in your community?