mai

or Matai, n.

a New Zealand tree,now called Podocarpus spicata.

1855. Rev. R. Taylor, `Te Ika a Maui,' p. 440:

«Matai, mai ( Dacrydium mai), a tree with a fine thicktop, and leaf much resembling that of the yew. The wood is ofa slightly reddish colour, close-grained, but brittle, andpeculiarly fragrant when burnt. . . . Highly prized for fuel,and also much used for furniture, as it works up easily andcomes next to the totara for durability.»

1876. W. n. Blair, `Transactions of New Zealand Institute,'vol. ix. art. x. p. 157:

«I have in this paper adhered to the popular name of black-pinefor this timber, but the native name matai is always used inthe north.»