umuko

Umuko is a plant associated with folk belief in traditional medicine and sorcery, particularly in connection with the Hadada ibis (Bostrychia hagedash).

Folklore

According to tradition, the nest of the Hadada ibis is believed to contain treasure sought by witch doctors and sorcerers. The nest is said to be protected by a curse: anyone who attempts to climb the tree and reach it suffers misfortune, often fatal.

To circumvent this curse, practitioners reportedly use leaves of the umuko plant. When scattered across the branches of a tree bearing a Hadada ibis nest, the leaves resemble fire to the bird. On returning to the nest, the ibis perceives the tree as burning and repeatedly flies to a nearby water source, carrying water in its beak in an attempt to extinguish the apparent flames. As the leaves do not burn or change in appearance, the bird perceives the fire as persisting and continues this behavior until it dies of exhaustion.

Only after the bird's death is it considered safe to approach the nest and retrieve its contents, as the curse is believed to lapse.