bird-catching plant

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


a New Zealand shrub ortree, Pisonia brunoniana, Endl., N.O. Nyctagineae; Maori name, Parapara.

1883. R. H. Govett, `Transactions of the New Zealand Institute,'vol. xvi. Art. xxviii. p. 364::

«A Bird-killing Tree. . . . In a shrub growing in my father'sgarden at New Plymouth, two Silver-eyes ( Zosterops) andan English Sparrow had been found with their wings so glued bythe sticky seed-vessels that they were unable to move, andcould only fly away after having been carefully washed.»

1889. T. Kirk, `Forest Flora of New Zealand,' p. 293:

«It is sometimes termed the `birdcatching plant' by settlersand bushmen . . . It will always be a plant of specialinterest, as small birds are often found captured by its viscidfruits, to which their feathers become attached as effectivelyas if they were glued.»

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