| bararata | ~ a tall grass or reed found in marshes, edgese of ponds, rivers etc. The plants growing in the water and shaken by it are used by the Betsileo in the form of vapour baths for malarial fever. This is given on the homeopathic principle of curing like, the fever causing people to shake. The bararata was formerly used in the ceremony of circumcision; it is yet used for various purposes. It is said that the Vazimba often dwell near it. Phragmites communis, Trin. Same as <1volotara#> and <1katsaroka#>. ~ a small bamboo that grows in or near water |
