Does eThekwini mean place of the lagoon or place of the single testicle? How are the names of dogs used to accuse a neighbour of witchcraft? What is the origin of Jamludi? Is the Zulu isibongo the same as a surname? What influence do scholars have in the process of naming?

Zulu plant names do not just identify plants, they tell us much more about the plant, as well as how it is perceived or used in Zulu culture. For example, the plant name umhlulambazo ('what defeats the axe') tells us that this is a tree with hard, dense wood, and that usondelangange ('come closer so I can embrace you') is a tree with large thorns that snags the passer-by. In a similar vein, both umakuphole ('let it cool down') and icishamlilo ('put out the fire') refer to plants that are used medicinally to treat fevers and inflammations. Plants used as the base of love-charms have names that...