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Maori Agriculture

The Karaka (Corynocarpus Laevigatus)

The Karaka (Corynocarpus Laevigatus)

This tree was often planted by the Maori in the vicinity of their settlements, and the fruit thereof formed a minor food supply, as it still does on the Whanganui river. A native tradition exists to the effect that this tree was introduced into New Zealand some 20 generations ago; this is maintained by the descendants of several parties of immigrants. Thus it is said to have been brought hither by the crew of the Aotea, who first planted the seeds at Patea. Also it was brought by Roau of the Nukutere canoe to the Bay of Plenty. The Tainui immigrants are also said to have brought it in that vessel, together with the kumara, the gourd, and the ante.

Colenso made the following remarks concerning the planting of the karaka by the natives:—"Two other food yielding plants were, I believe, also cultivated by the ancient Maoris, viz., the karaka and the kohoho (also called poporo and poroporo.) Occasionally, at least, they planted them both in their plantations, and also in their towns [ pa, or fortified villages]. And this will account for the karaka being often found isolated, or in small clumps of the old trees, in many spots inland, away from its own natural habitat near the sea. I am the more inclined to believe that they did so from the fact of my having been informed many years ago by an old priest of the secret tabooed way to make a young karaka tree, on its being so transplanted, become fruitful."

The karaka is found in New Zealand, the Chatham Islands and the Kermadec Isles (600 miles from Auckland). This tree is not found growing as a forest tree, but only near the coast and at or near native settlements inland, or at places where settlements have existed in past times.

The Takitumu (vessel) is also said to have brought seeds of the karaka, which Ruawharo took to Nukutaurua, Table Cape. Kupe, the Polynesian voyager who is said to have discovered New Zealand, is also credited in tradition with the introduction of the karaka. Some interesting notes on this tree have been published in Vol. 4 of the Memoirs of the Polynesian Society, pp. 64, 240, 274. See also Journal of the Polynesian Society, Vol. XII. p. 58.