Maori name for a tree, Corynocarpus laevigata, Forst. N.O. anacardiaceae;also called Cow-tree (q.v.), forty feet high, with orange-coloured berries, two to three inches long.
1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. i.p. 226:
«Two or three canoes were hauled up under some karaka trees,which formed a pleasant grove in a sort of recess from thebeach.»
Ibid. vol. i. p. 233:
«The karaka-tree much resembles the laurel in its growth andfoliage. It bears bright orange-coloured berries about thesize and shape of damsons, growing in bunches. The fruit issickly and dry; but the kernel forms an important article ofnative food.»
1859. A. S. Thomson, `Story of New Zealand,' p. 157:
«The karaka fruit is about the size of an acorn. The pulp iseaten raw; the kernel is cooked in the oven for ten days, andthen steeped for several weeks in a running stream before it isfit for use. Karaka berries for winter use are dried in thesun. The kernel is poisonous uncooked.»
1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' p. 108:
«The thick karakas' varnished green.»
1881. J. L. Campbell, `Poenamo,' p. 102:
«The karaka with its brilliantly polished green leavesand golden yellow fruit.»
1883. F. S. Renwick, `Betrayed,' p. 35:
«Bring the heavy karaka leaf,
Gather flowers of richest hue.»
1892. `Otago Witness,' Nov. 10. (Native Trees):
« Corynocarpus laevigata (generally known by the name ofkaraka). The fruit is poisonous, and many deaths of childrenoccur through eating it. Mr. Anderson, a surgeon whoaccompanied Captain Cook, mentions this tree and its fruit, andsays the sailors ate it, but does not say anything about itbeing poisonous. The poison is in the hard inner part, and itmay be that they only ate the outer pulp.»