Mahoe, whitey wood

Description:

This is a reasonable sized tree about 5 to 6 metres tall. The berries are present in the middle of summer with a beautiful purple colour, they are attached to the older wood of the branches. Is quite distintive a small branch placed between the fingers will allways snap and not bend, even when very green. This wood was used by Maori as one of the woods to light fires. The wood was dried and was the soft wood partner and recieved the rubbing that allowed the dust to build up and catch fire.

Habitat:

This sample was growing in the bush near the edge and a fairly large bushy tree and not elongated which is typical of tree's under the canopy. Obviously it has not been there that long.