Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

paretao, mākaka

An aquatic plant growing in swamps was the male procreating power which engendered the red clay seen in landslips, whence came the first man. (White 1887)

[Potamogeton cheesemanii, red pondweed ?? Ed.]

According to Williams 1971 mākaka is Plagianthus divaricatus, saltmarsh ribonwood, found in estauries; Lygodium articulatum, mangemange, a fern; several species of Carmichaelia (brooms); a water plant; fernroot, Pteridium esculentum

Williams says paretao is Asplenium obtusatum a fern found growing on rock faces on the seashore.