Maori name for a New Zealand tree, Nesodaphne tawa, Hook., N.O. Laurineae. Thenewer name is Beilschmiedia tawa, Benth. and Hook. f.Allied to Taraire (q.v.). A handsome forest tree withdamson-like fruit.
1883. J. Hector, `Handbook of New Zealand,' p. 129:
«Tawa. A lofty forest tree, sixty to seventy feet high, withslender branches. The wood is light and soft, and is much usedfor making butter-kegs.»