This PowerPoint contains information on four New Zealand native trees.

Akeake KEY FACTS The Akeake tree grows up to 4 metres tall. It can grow up to 1 metre in a year. In about 3 years time, it blooms flowers and has seeds. It prefers loose soil and can withstand salt spray. Its seeds are hard. BACKGROUND HISTORY It was discovered in the 1890’s in Wairua River. The original Akeake trees of Wairua River no longer survive because they were washed away in a flood. The female seeds fall out of their seedpods in February. USES IN THE REAL WORLD The seed pods are used for special purposes. Since its wood is dense and strong, Maori used it to make weapons. Akeake is easily planted with its seed, which can be found at the end of summer.

Horoeka/Lancewood The young trees have no branches and are as straight as a horsemen's spare. However, the young leaves change completely when they grow. The centre strip of the young leaves are used as bootlaces. The young leaves are narrow and are over a metre in length! The birds love to eat the fruits on the tree. When the trees are mature the leaves are shorter. There are three species of lancewood. It is a common plant throughout New Zealand. Plants are either male or female just like us humans!

Puriri The Puriri tree was first found in It can grow up to 20 meters tall and its Trunk’s circumference can grow up to 15m. Puriri is one of the few native trees with large colourful flowers. Puriri flowers look like snapdragon flowers. The flower has two petals. Some flowers can be found on the Puriri all year round! The tree is found in the North Cape. Puriri-rich areas were burned for farmland. It provides food for wildlife and makes fruit and nectar. It also provides a year- round supply of food for birds. Puriri is a New Zealand tree that has dense wood, which can make furniture and ships for the wood is quite tough. The tree produces flowers and fruit almost every year. Its bright red berries are loved by birds. The Puriri trees have finger-sized holes where fat caterpillars have made homes. The Maori used the Puriri for weaving.

Taraire This tree grows up to 22 meters and has a very big top section. The bark is dark brown and smooth. The branches tend to spread very wide. The dark green leaves grow up to cm wide. Its leaf stems are approximately 1cm long. The fruit of the Taraire tree is a favourite to the NZ pigeon. The purple fruit is covered in a waxy bloom. Every berry contains 1 seed. The fruit ripens between March and November. The Taraire only occurs in the North Island and it is also most common to the north of Auckland. The wood of the Taraire is used for flooring, furniture, picture frames and firewood. The large cooked seeds were eaten by early Maori and when they were roasted, they tasted like potato.

Kai Wei, Hannah, Jyun, Elena and Flora Group Members

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