Māori would boil the leaves infused with others to heal ulcers and pains. Sometimes has smooth bark and is usually home to lots epiphytes (Plants that grow in trees). Its large red berries are consumed and transported only by Kererū. Noticeable by its small pink bell shaped flowers that litter underneath the tree. Grows massive with sprawling brunches that can be quite knotted and mishapen. During flowering it is common to see many Tui feeding from its bell shaped flowers. There are many types of Kōwhai but this is the most common. All parts of this plant are extremely poisonous. Growing to a height of 8m these Kōwhai explode in a sea of yellow flowers in late winter early spring and indicate when it is time to plant kūmara. Always clean your shoes when entering Kauri forest and never step near a kauri to avoid infecting healthy Kauri. Spore can be carried in soil lasting on your shoes or equipment for up to 10 years. Kauri is experiencing Kauri dieback disease which is caused by a mold spore called Phytophthora agathidicida and is spread predominately by humans. Māori used it for building waka and burnt the gum for heat and light, they also chewed it. They covered much of the top half of the North Island when the first people arrived around 1000 years ago. Kauri is among the world's mightiest trees, growing to more than 50 metres tall, with trunk girths of up to 16 metres. The bruised inner bark was applied to burns The bitter gum was applied to wounds to stop bleeding and the leaves were used to heal wounds. The red fruit cup that carries the seed is edible. Large trees can be between 700-1000 years old. It is recognizable by it’s shaggy looking foliage resembling on old mans beard. Slow growing tree that can grow up to 50m high. Māori prized the timber of this tree and used it totara to carve waka, and build tools and housing. One of the four guardians of the forest growing over 30m high – noticeable by it’s flaky bark and small, long sharp tipped leaves. Take time to learn their names and how to identify them and you will never walk around outside the same again. To get you started we have put together a list of ten common native trees (Rākau) that coexist with us. Take this week to learn of the incredible beings that exist around you within plain sight, go on a guided bush work or volunteer your time to help a restoration project. This week (15th - 23rd September 2018) is Conservation week.Ī time to acknowledge Aotearoa’s unique flora and fauna and the work that DoC and other organisations are doing to protect what underpins our existence on this planet - our native environment.
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