or Kumera,
(pronounced [Koomera])
a Maori word for an edible root, the yam or sweetpotato, Ipomaea batatas, N.O. Convolvulaceae.There are numerous varieties. It should be added that it isdoubtful whether it grows wild in New Zealand.
1773. Sydney Parkinson, `Journal of a Voyage to the SouthSeas' (see extract in `Transactions of New Zealand Institute,'`Manibus Parkinsonibus Sacrum,' W. Colenso, vol. x. art. ix.p. 124):
«Several canoes came alongside of the ship, of whom we got somefish, kumeras or sweet potatoes, and several other things.»
1828. `Henry William Diarys' (in Life by Carleton), p. 69:
«Kumara had been planted over the whole plain.»
1830. Ibid. p. 79:
«We passed over the hill, and found the assailants feasting onthe kumara, or sweet potato, which they just pulled up fromthe garden at which they had landed.»
1851. Mrs. Wilson, `New Zealand,' p. 49:
«He saw some fine peaches and kumaras or sweet potatoes.»
1852. G. C. Mundy, `Our Antipodes,' c. xi. p. 273 (3rdedition, 1855)
«The kumara or sweet potato is a most useful root.»
1863. F. E. Maning (Pakeha Maori), `Old New Zealand,' p. 51:
«Behind the pigs was placed by the active exertion of two orthree hundred people, a heap of potatoes and kumera, inquantity about ten tons, so there was no lack of the rawmaterial for a feast.»
1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' p. 430:
«Now the autumn's fruits
Karaka, – – taro, – – kumera, – – berries, roots
Had all been harvested with merry lays
And rites of solemn gladness.»
1884. T. Bracken, `Lays of Maori,' p. 18:
«Some more dainty toothsome dish
Than the kumera and fish.»