These are wild plants known as "lokônndd or lokônnddichem zhadd." They
are so called because they are strong like iron (lokonndd) - even the
dhar (sharpness) of a koito (machete) is lost with continuous cutting of
such trees. As children we made the kelkem (V-shaped wood joint of a
plant/tree) of our robonn (catapult) from such trees and they lasted for
a long time. Before putting them to use, we would dry them until the
wood was completely dried. We would test their strength by pressing the
upper ends of the kelkem. If it did not break, it meant it had dried
thoroughly and was ready for use. The other favorite V-shaped wood joint
that we used for our kelkem came from a "pêr" (guava tree,) which is
also very strong, but our parents would not allow us to cut a branch for
the sake of a kelkem. So, we would go on the hill and choose the kelkem
of our choice from lokônnddichim zhaddam - sometimes we went on cutting
branches until we got the kelkem of our choice.
We used robonn to hunt down birds, squirrels, etc. We also aimed at and
threw fruits like mangoes, guavas, cashew, etc. from high trees.
Unfortunately, today's generation does not even know what's a robonn,
let alone its use!
The color of flowers as photographed by Joe is indeed beautiful! Keep up
the good work Joe! God bless.
Moi-mogan,
Domnic Fernandes
Anjuna, Goa
Mob: 9420979201
wild and beautiful (on stem)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoaukflowers/5462308198/sizes/l/
