Maori name for the Tree-fern.In Maori, the word means – – (1) Soft, tender, young shoots. Theverb pihi means «begin to grow» ; pi means «youngof birds,» also «the flow of the tide.» (2) Centre-fronds of afern. (3) Name of a large fern.
1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' c. i.p. 57:
«The pitau, or tree-ferns, growing like a palm-tree,form a distinguishing ornament of the New Zealand forest.»