tarata

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

n.


Maori name for the New Zealandtree Pittosporum eugenioides, A. Cunn., N.O. Pittosporeae; called also Mapau, Maple, etc. See Mapau.

1876. W. n. Blair, `Transactions of New Zealand Institute,'vol. ix., art. x. p. 143:

«A small tree seldom exceeding thirty feet in height, andtwelve inches in diameter. It has pale green shining leavesand purple flowers. The wood of a dirty white colour, is toughand fibrous.»

1879. J. B. Armstrong, `Transactions of New ZealandInstitute,' vol. xii. art. xlix. p. 329:

«The tarata or Lemon-wood, a most beautiful tree, also usedfor hedges.»

1889. E. H. and S. Featon, `New Zealand Flora,' p. 35:

«The Tarata. This elegant tree is found on the east coast ofboth islands. It attains a height of from twenty to thirtyfeet, and has a stem from twelve to eighteen inches indiameter. It is known to the settlers in some parts as`Lemon-wood.' When displaying its profuse masses of palegolden flowers, it is very pretty.»