Grossulariaceae Ribes oxyacanthoides L.

Canadian Gooseberry

Blackfoot - Other, Toys & Games

Use documented by:
Hellson, John C., 1974, Ethnobotany of the Blackfoot Indians, Ottawa. National Museums of Canada. Mercury Series, page 122

View all documented uses for Ribes oxyacanthoides L.

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Scientific name: Ribes oxyacanthoides L.
USDA symbol: RIOXO (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Canadian Gooseberry
Family: Grossulariaceae
Family (APG): Grossulariaceae
Native American Tribe: Blackfoot
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Toys & Games
Notes: Berries used by children to play a game. The children sat in a circle and began counting to ten, each child counting one number around the circle. The tenth child would take five berries and eat them at once, trying his best not to show a bitter face. If he was successful, the child next to him would do the same and this would continue until one grimaced at the sour taste. He was then struck on the thigh with a knuckle punch, thus giving the name 'punctured berry' to the plant. The child who never grimaced won all the others' berry supplies.

RECRD: 4105 id: 33649

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