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3.8.5 The Referent of a Named Tree
The names of individual trees make reference not only to the tree itself, but also to
the general environs of the tree [ 166 ]. The most famous of these, doḍḍa sampage , is
often referred to by Solega people as a landmark when describing other locations
nearby, or when giving directions. This tree has also lent its name to a stream that
fl ows past it ( doḍḍa sampage aḷḷa ), the patch of forest in which the tree is situated
as well as to the nearby village which is home to the primary caretakers of the tree
( doḍḍa sampage po:ḍu ). While this village has an alternative, unrelated name ( kere-
dimba po:ḍu ), it is sometimes referred to by its inhabitants simply as doḍḍa sam-
page , as this name can refer not only to the tree, but also to the land around it.
3.9 Plant Uses
“Ka:ḍa oḷagaḍe beka:dashṭu vidya ade,” “There is much wisdom in the forest”,
said Heddini Basavegowda in one elicitation session, before proceeding to describe
some of the natural remedies known to him. Much of this wisdom is shared by the
general population, and practically every adult Solega person will be able to recite
Fig. 3.3 The tree named juṇṭu a:dire , after the appearance of the fl exible apical branches of this
tree ( ‘juṇṭu’ is Solega for a tuft of hair). Photos by S. Agnihotri. Originally published in [ 166 ]
3 Plants in Solega Language and Culture