konini

n.

Maori name for:

1) the fruit of theNew Zealand fuchsia, Fuchsia excorticata, Linn.

2) A settlers' name for the tree itself.See Kotukutuku.

1882. T. H. Potts, `Out in the Open,' p. 114:

«The berries of the konini . . . ripening early furnish somepart of its (bell-bird's) food supply.»

(p. 146): «Rather late in August, when the brown-skinned koninibegins to deck its bare sprays with pendulous flowers.»

1889. T. Kirk, `Forest Flora of New Zealand,' p. 53:

«Mr. Colenso informs me that it [ Fuchsia excorticata]is the Kohutuhutu and the Kotukutuku of the Maoris, the fruitbeing known as Konini, especially in the South Island and thesouthern part of the North Island. The settlers sometimes termit Kotukutuku or Konini, but more generally fuchsia.»