The following list provides a short definition of the more commonly used terms within Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga.
alkaloid
A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain at least one nitrogen atom.
antiscorbutic
Having the effect of preventing or curing scurvy.
berry
Commonly used to refer to any small, usually stoneless, juicy fruit. In botany, a berry is a fleshy fruit without a stone (pit) that is produced from a single flower and contains two or more seeds.
culm
The stem of a grass, particularly the flowering stem.
cultivar
A plant variety that has been selectively bred in cultivation for desirable characteristics.
decoction
A method of extraction by boiling to dissolve the chemicals in a material.
gum
A plant secretion that hardens when it exudes but is soluble in water.
rhizome
An underground plant stem, usually horizontal, that is able to produce roots and shoots.