Herbs

Twi Names of Ghanaian Herbs & Plants Locally Used

Twi Names of Ghanaian Herbs and Plants Traditionally Used. Please Read >>>>

HERBS TWI NAMES
HERBS TWI NAMES
  • Herbs And Their Akan Names
  • Twi Names of All the Most Powerful Herbs and Plants in Ghana/Africa
  • Names Of Plants in Ghana
  • Twi name for fertility leaf

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What Are Herb Plants and What Do They Do? Twi Names of Ghanaian Herbs

In botany, the term herb refers to an herbaceous plant, which is described as a tiny, seed-bearing plant without a woody stem that dies back to the ground at the conclusion of each growing season.

Herbs have a wide spectrum of uses, including culinary, medical, and spiritual.

Other languages, including Ewe, Hausa, Bono, and Nzema, are being considered.

Some communities in Ghana and Africa employ the herbs listed below to treat and manage human diseases.

It can be difficult to find the twi names or botanical names of some plants used in Ghana. T

herefore, we chose to compile some of the Akan names to assist traditional herbalists, medicinal herbalists, and the general public.

Please leave a comment if you know of any additional local names, as they may differ from community to community.

Twi Names of Ghanaian Herbs
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

FAQs about Twi Names of Ghanaian Herbs

What is the Twi name for Paullinia pinnata?

Paullinia pinnata, a normal liana in South America and West Africa, still had an African name in 1771. It was recognized as an herbal treatment for leprosy under the local name “tondin,” which is gotten from the Ghanaian Twi name “toantin” for the same species.

Twi Names of Ghanaian Herbs ~ What is the name of the basil leaf in Twi?

Basil is a normal herb used almost everywhere in Ghana. It is called Akuko Besa in Twi.

Twi Names of Ghanaian Herbs ~ What are the common herbal plants in Ghana?

5 Medicinal Plants from Ghana

  • Mahogany – Khaya senegalensis.
  • Neem – Azadirachta indica.Ginger – Zingiber officinale.
  • Coat Buttons – Tridax procumbens.
  • Waterleaf – Talinum triangulare.
What is the Twi name for Cassia occidentalis?

Cassia occidentalis is commonly known in Ghana as ‘mmofraborodee’ (Twi) and ‘Devidevikpelimumu’ (Ewe)

The Twi Names of Ghanaian Herbs ~ What is the Twi name for Acacia?

Twi Names of Some Plants Used Traditionally In Ghana

TWI NAME OF PLANTS scientific name family
Nwere Acacia pennata Fabaceae
Nufoten Adansonia digitata Malvaceae/Bombacaceae
Okyem Adenia cissamploides Passifloraceae
Nsurogya Adenia rumicifolia Passifloraceae
What is Calabash nutmeg Twi called?

wedeɛ aba

Calabash nutmeg:

Known as wedeɛ aba in Twi, a local Ghanaian language, this spice looks like nutmeg known by most people in the West.

Though, Calabash nutmeg has a stronger taste, and is often used when cooking soups and stews.

What are the top 10 herbs?

Top 10 Herbs for Your Kitchen
  • Basil. Commonly used in Italian dishes, basil is great for adding flavor to soups and sauces
  • Cilantro. Cilantro is most common in Mexican and Asian dishes.
  • Dill
  • Mint.
  • Oregano
  • Parsley (Italian)
  • Parsley (Curly)
  • Rosemary
What are the medicinal leaves in Ghana?

Plants

Plant Names (Scientific Names) Traditional Uses
Senna siamea The leaves are used to treat malaria.
Boerhavia diffusa The leaves are used to treat a boil.
Thevetia neriifolia The leaves are used to treat headaches.
Aspilia africana The leaves are used in the treatment of diarrhea and stomach ulcer.
Twi Names of Ghanaian Herbs ~ What are the 8 herbs?

8 Essential Herbs and Spices

  • Thyme. Thyme is a fragrant, woody herb.
  • Basil. Basil is pungent, sweet, and necessary for many Italian dishe
  • Oregano. Oregano is the herb that makes pizza taste like pizza!
  • Rosemary
  • Fennel Seed
  • Bay Leaves.
  • Chili Powder
  • Smoked Paprika.
What is a bitter leaf in Twi?

Owing to the bitterness of its leaves, the plant is called a ‘bitter leaf’ in many countries.

In Ghana, the Akans refer to it as ‘ awonwene ‘ (Twi) factually meaning ‘bitterness’.

What is the Twi language for cloves?

Pepre

In Ghana, cloves are “Pepre” in Twi, and “Mbrego Amba” in Fante.

What is the clove in Twi?

Cloves are Dadoa Amba or Pepre in Twi and Ewe. It aids protect the liver, boosts the immune system, and prevents respiratory infections.

What is the Twi name for Pycnanthus angolensis?

Pycnanthus angolensis (Welw) Warb, is wild African nutmeg’ or ‘false nutmeg’, traditionally is ‘Etsiw’ (Fante), ‘Otie’ (Twi), and ‘Oti’ (Ga) in Ghana.

 

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