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Species Name
Urtica simensis (Steud.)
Family
Urticaceae
Local Name(s)
Samma (Amargna)
General description
Samma is an erect non-branched,
wild-growing nettle plant. Leaves are oval and coarsely toothed. The whole
plant is cowered with stinging hairs. The plant grows all year round and
therefore can be harvested whenever there is a need.
Edible part(s),
preparation methods and palatability
leaves are edible. As the leaves are
stinging the hands have to be protected for collection. The leaves are
cut and spread out between two hides on the ground. The leaves have to
be crushed between the two hides by either stamping on them or by using
the hands to rub them. This process is necessary to avoid the burning sensation
of the leaves. Then inspect if there are any insects, caterpillars or other
vermin among the crushed leaves. After that the leaves can be boiled. When
boiled the leaves have to be grid one more time to become a smooth puree,
a bit like spinach puree. The puree can be salted and peppered and eaten
either by its own or together with injera. The time required for cooking
is approximately 3 hours. Interviewed farmers have reported no unpleasant
side effects. The plant is predominately collected by women and children,
but eaten by everybody in times of food shortage.
Agroecology
Grows in the
highlands and especially found in the highlands of North & South Gonder,
North & South Welo, North Shewa, Wag Hamra (2,500 - 3,500m). The plant
grows wild as a weed in uncultivated fields and pastureland.
Propagation
Method(s)
Propagates by seeds and rhizomes
Sample location(s)
(1)
Wag Hamra; (2) Gidan Woreda, North Welo; (3) Mekane Birhan, Jana Mora Woreda,
North Gonder;
(4) Debark, North Gonder
Remarks
The plant is also used as a medicine
to ease aching joints and for liver complaints.
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‘Sama’ plants in the Simien
Mountains in Debark
Skin basket full with collected
'sama' leaves, Wag Hamra
Woman collecting 'sama' in uncultivated
fields, Wag Hamra
'Sama' plants in Jana Mora Woreda,
North Gonder.
'Sama' plants in Jana Mora Woreda,
North Gonder.
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