Health properties
Tūpākihi (Coriaria arborea) Topical use only! to be used as directed only!
Toxic - all parts contain toxic neurotoxins (tutin and related compounds); not suitable for internal use. Any topical use requires specialist formulation and clear safety testing.Historical reports link tutu-contaminated honey to severe poisoning, avoid ingestible products.
Pain / Discomfort - When Tūpākihi is extracted into a carrier oil it can be applied to sore or achy muscles and joints giving fast relief from pain and discomfort.
Traditional use
Māori knowledge recognizes tūpākihi/tutu as a poisonous plant; careful, limited uses and strong cultural protocols governed handling.
Uses were cautious and context-specific; some rongoā traditions note external/ritual handling under expert guidance, but routine medicinal ingestion was avoided due to toxicity.
Always defer to iwi/hapū knowledge and cultural authority regarding any traditional practices.
Physical properties
Form: upright shrub or small tree, 2–5 m tall.
Leaves: simple, alternate, dark green, elliptic to oblong.
Flowers/fruit: clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers followed by fleshy, bright red/orange false fruits (the arils surround toxic seeds).
Habitat: native to New Zealand, found in open scrubland and regenerating forest.
Metaphysical / Energetic properties
Potent protective/cleansing energy in some contemporary spiritual uses — associated with boundaries, warding, and confronting shadow aspects.
Respected for its strength and warned-of danger; rituals emphasizing caution, respect, and expert guidance are common themes.
Given the plant’s toxicity, metaphysical use typically involves symbolic or non-ingestive representations rather than physical ingestion.
