Did you know? – Our Native Healing Trees

With Waitangi Day observed this week, we thought to feature ‘Rongoā Māori’ which traditional Māori medicine for healing and wellbeing. This ancient lore, including plant use, massage, and incantations, has been passed down through many generations. Although knowledge of rongoā was considered tapu (sacred) and was passed on to a select few. A person was selected for training by a tohunga pu (expert) from the whare wānanga (house of learning). Plants have always been extremely important, being used for both spiritual and medicinal issues. More than 200 plants were used medicinally by Māori for a variety of ailments, notably Harakeke (Flax), Kawakawa (Pepper Tree), Rātā and Koromiko (Hebe).

A selection of special New Zealand Native trees are also key players, such as:

The New Zealand Marble Leaf is found throughout New Zealand forests. Also known as the Putaputāwētā meaning ‘Wētā Emerge’ being that the insects in the wild can live in the crevices of old trees. Valued for its traditional medicinal properties and attractive marbled leaf to treat various ailments. Also, beautiful white summer flower.

  • Flowering medium sized NZ Native Evergreen
  • Charming marble-like leaf and attractive to birds and bees
  • Grows to 5 metres in garden environments

Nursery sizes currently available

Known in Māori as Tī Kōuka, the Cabbage Tree has a rich history. Known that drinking the juice of the boiled leaves alleviated the effects of dysentery, as well as an ointment for cuts and sores. The roots, new shoots and core of the trunk are rich in fructose and good to eat. The roots were also used by nursing mothers as well as a remedy for colic in babies. It was also highly valued for its fibrous leaves that were used to weave baskets, clothing and rain shelters.

  • Robust, Hardy NZ Native Evergreen
  • Suitable for cold, breezy coastline or inland settings
  • Grows to 4-5 metres

Nursery sizes currently available

Known to live 500+ years, Rimu trees are famed for their many uses for instance: the inner bark and leaves were pulped and applied to treat burns and other wounds. The red cup that holds the seed was eaten by Māori. Wildlife also favoured the Rimu, with the fruit a favourite of the Kākā and Kererū, while moreporks/Ruru enjoy taking a break and resting on the branches. Rimu was also used to fashion canoes and tools, then furniture and houses.

  • Flexible Rough bark and needle-like foliage NZ Native Evergreen
  • Great for park and reserves planting
  • Grows to 6 metres

Nursery sizes currently available

The Manuka or Kahikātoa, which also has received another name from Captain Cook labelled the ‘tea tree’ as he brewed tea with it had an array of medicinal uses such as reducing fever, alleviating the painful ‘Katipo’ bite, a remedy for internal complaints, as well as used to scent hair oil. Manuka is still used today in the flavouring of smoked meats as well as in many tea-tree oils. Also being one of the best honey flavours in the world and only made in New Zealand.

  • Attractive small white flowers in Spring and Summer
  • Great for Native screening and re-vegetation
  • Grows to 5 metres

Nursery sizes currently available

Indigenous wisdom surrounding the medicinal use of trees reflects a deep, sustainable relationship with the natural world. Native tribes have long understood the therapeutic properties of local trees, utilising various parts necessary.

Safeguarding this Native medicinal wisdom is paramount, both for its cultural value and potential for modern applications.

For credit and further information see:
https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/maori/maori-medicine
https://teara.govt.nz/en/rongoa-medicinal-use-of-plants

Disclaimer: This article is to provide further interest regarding our special Native trees. We strongly recommend consulting with your health professional for advice and health needs. No responsibility can be taken for content included in this article.
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