Swearing at plants: A flash ethnography from Namaqualand
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Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Jos� Frantz
Abstract
In November 2018 we are at Willem�s veepos (stockpost) halfway
between Paulshoek and Leliefontein in the Kamiesberg mountains. It
is early summer and the scarlet red milkweed locusts (Phymateus morbilossus)
have begun to feast on the remaining green vegetation. The
melkbos (Asclepias fruticosa) covers the field where we are conducting
our interview. This plant is one of the favourite foods of the locusts
and the milkweed�s poisonous chemicals help the locust synthesise a
noxious liquid that it shoots out at possible attackers. The glands from
which this fluid issues are in the rear of the animals and locals call it
Jan-pister (Jan the pisser).
Description
Keywords
Plants, Namaqualand, Green vegetation, Farming practices
Citation
Ellis, W. (2021). Swearing at plants: Bitterbos a flash ethnography from Namaqualand. Signals,(2)