Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

tī pore

Pacific cabbage tree

Roau brought seeds or plants of tī in Nukutere canoe, which landed at Waiaua, near Opotiki. Tī (and taro) known in Urewera as Te Huri a Roau. Tī said to have been planted at Pokerekere, and its name was Whakaruru-ma-tangi (Best 1902). Tī mentioned in tradition of Horouta canoe and the introduction of kūmara to New Zealand. Tī roots given to Kahukura to eat by Toi (Turei 1912: 154).

One of the original plants brought by Maori from Polynesia. Thought to be extinct, but rediscovered on an old pā site in eastern Northland in 1999. See Simpson 2000.