rimu

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


Maori name for a New Zealand tree, Dacrydium cupressinum, N.O. Coniferae; alsocalled Red pine. Rimu is generally usedin North Island; Red pine more generally in the South.See Pine.

1835. W. Yate, `Account of New Zealand,' p. 40:

«Rimu. This elegant tree comes to its greatest perfection inshaded woods, and in moist, rich soil.»

1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' p. 117:

«He lay Couched in a rimu-tree one day.»

1875. T. Laslett, `Timber and Timber Trees,' p. 306:

«The Rimu Tree. Height, eighty to 100 feet, fully forty tofifty feet clear of branches . . . moderately hard . . .planes up smoothly, takes a good polish, would be useful to thecabinetmaker.»

1879. Clement Bunbury, `Fraser's Magazine,' June, p. 761:

«Some of the trees, especially the rimu, a species of yew, herecalled a pine, were of immense size and age.»