New Zealand was one of the last places on earth to be reached by humans. In this short time, people have struck up a remarkable relationship with the trees; using them for medicine, food, construction, recreation, spirituality, and scientific endeavours.
Click on a plant below to learn about its role in history, it’s interaction with people, and how it has been put to use over the years.
One to add to the list – the Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) – NZ’s tallest tree. Found in South Westland in low swamp areas and almost wiped out as was used for growing dairy export industry – butter boxes and cheese boxes as didn’t taint the product. Check out this site for further information. http://www.projectkahikatea.net.nz/history.html
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Great pick! One of my favourites – I will make sure to bump it up the list!
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Could you please add one on Kauri? 🙂 I’ve ordered your book (before the lockdown) but the company was waiting on a new shipment so still nothing yet. I’m making a jewellery project using gum & swamp Kauri for an exhibition at the Kauri Museum soon.
Would love to know more in addition to the Tane Mahuta legend.
Thanks!
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Kia ora Kylie,
Sounds interesting I will have to check out the Kauri Museum once the exhibition opens up!
I hope to get back into writing new articles for the blog shortly, but in the mean time – check out the relationship between kauri and whales.
https://tehiku.nz/te-hiku-tv/haukainga/8211/te-tohora-me-te-kauri
In traditional whakapapa Kauri and whales are brothers, the whale leaves for a life in the sea while kauri remains on land.
Thanks so much for ordering the book and hope you enjoy reading it 🙂
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great post
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tu meke !
first light, exploration of the stars, learning of titoki and inspired to grasp ngaio as she grows right outside our door) stumbled upon this vibrant site… Nga mihi, thankyou
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