punga-punga

n.

Maori name for the pollen ofthe raupo (q.v.).

1880. W. Colenso, `Transactions of New Zealand Institute,'vol. xiii. art. i. p. 28:

«Another curious article of vegetable food was the punga-punga,the yellow pollen of the raupo flowers. To use it as food itis mixed with water into cakes and baked. It is sweetish andlight, and reminds one strongly of London gingerbread.»