Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

Microtis banksii (in Taylor 1855),  Microtis porrifolia

māikaika (Best 1907)

Microtis

"Small orchidaceous plant(s) found amongst fern and low tea tree. The tubers contain salep, and are eaten by the natives" (Kirk, in Taylor 1870). ("Salep" in Webster's Dictionary, is the name for the ground-up tubers of orchids).

Use as food also recorded in Colenso 1868a ; Taylor 1855).

Diminutive tuber eaten by children. Sometimes roasted. Sought during times of stress. (Best 1902, 1907, 1942)