Maori name for the New Zealandshrub, Drimys axillaris, Forst., N.O. Magnoliaceae;called also Pepper-tree (q.v.).
1847. G. F. Angas, `Savage Life and Scenes in Australia andNew Zealand,' vol. ii. p. 17:
A delicious fragrance, like that of hyacinth and jessaminemingled, filled the warm still air with its perfume. It arosefrom the petals of a straggling shrub, with bright greenshining leaves resembling those of the nutmeg-tree; and aprofusion of rich and delicate blossoms, looking like waxwork,and hanging in clusters of trumpet-shaped bells: I observedevery shade of colour amongst them, from pinkish white to thedeepest crimson, and the edges of the petals were irregularlyjagged all round. The natives call this plant horopito.»
Ibid. p. 75:
«The fuchsia and the horopito were also abundant.»
1883. J. Hector, `Handbook of New Zealand, p. 129:
«Horopito, pepper-tree, winter's bark. A small slender evergreentree, very handsome. Whole plant aromatic and stimulant; usedby the Maoris for various diseases. Wood very ornamental incabinet-work.»
1889. T. Kirk, `Forest Flora of New Zealand,' p. 1:
«The Horopito, or pepper-tree of the settlers, is anornamental shrub or small tree occurring in woods, on themargin of which it is sometimes found in great abundance.»