MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 October 1938, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

MAORI FLOWERS. / (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The supplejack, known to the Pakeha as “Karewa,” an appropriate name which means “to ascend,” is perhaps wrongly given by authorities as Kareao (rippling in the dawn). It is of the lily family, the last plant one would expect to find in that class. It is tough, hard, and pliable, reaching the tops of the highest trees in search of the sun under which alone its leaves, bloom, and beautiful berries appear. Though readily grown, it is never cultivated in our snrubberies or gardens. Another giant lily is the Whanaki (cabbage tree) whicn should some day be grown extensively for the excellent fibre of its abundant leaves. The more this tree trunk is cut, the more its branches and leaves are developed. The succulent berries are a boon to the Kereru (wild pigeon) in the season when other food is scarce. Harakeke (N.Z. flax), the fibre of which, dressed with a mussel or a pipi shell, was the sole material for Maori clothes, blankets, mats, cordage, fishing nets, bird snares, etc. The reddish bloom-was the main source of supply for our honey loving birds, especially the Komako and Tui. Ma-chine-dressed flax has never equalled the Maori hand-dressed fibre. For a century it has been an alternating source of fortune or failure to millers and merchants. This Muka or Whitau to the Maori was ever the same good friend. The native passion fruit Aka Kereru (pigeon vine) has bright green leaves, attractive bloom, and brilliant orange fruit of good flavour. Why we do not cultivate it is a puzzle.