Health properties
Topical wound care: bark and inner bark used as poultices and washes for cuts, sores, and ulcers.
Anti‑inflammatory/soothing: applied to reduce swelling and relieve aches and rheumatic pain.
Antiseptic: used externally to help prevent infection in skin lesions.
Traditional use
Rongoā Māori: inner bark, bark infusions, and poultices applied externally for wounds, skin infections, and rheumatic complaints.
Practical applications: heated or crushed bark/leaves applied to affected areas; harvesting followed customary protocols and respect for the tree.
Cultural role: valued as a forest taonga and source of traditional medicine and knowledge passed within whānau.
Physical properties
Form: large evergreen canopy tree native to northern and coastal New Zealand forests.
Leaves: large, leathery, glossy, dark green, often with prominent veins.
Flowers: small, pale, fragrant, produced in clusters; attract insects and birds.
Fruit: fleshy drupes (olive‑like) eaten by native birds, important for seed dispersal.
Bark/wood: bark often smooth; timber dense and durable; tree contributes to forest structure and habitat.
Habitat: favors fertile, lowland and coastal forests, often on rich soils; slow‑growing to canopy stature.
Metaphysical / Energetic properties
Grounding and protection: associated with stability, sheltering energy, and safeguarding the home and community.
Nurturing and resilience: symbolizes endurance, forest guardianship, and support during recovery.
Connection to forest and ancestors: used in practices to deepen relationship with native ecosystems and ancestral land stewardship.
Steadfastness: invoked to strengthen resolve, rootedness, and long‑term wellbeing.
