Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

Matthews undertook research to find out whether taro were introduced to New Zealand from Melanesia, either before or after the arrival of Europeans, as possibly indicated by their chromosome number. Field work in the North Island uncovered three phenotypically distinct variants of taro with major distributions. Previous records of distribution, dispersal mechanisms, horticultural practices and uses are recorded and discussed. The origins of New Zealand taro are inconclusive.