The Kaikaiatua (_Rhabdothamnus Solandri_). The Maori evidently appreciated some part of this plant, the name of it signifying "Food of Gods," precisely the same title by which the old Greeks spoke of certain dainty mushrooms. It has a fine orange and red-striped blossom.
The Kapuka (_Griselinia littoralis_), a small tree with a yellow-green foliage.
The Karamu or Papaumu (_Coprosma_, _sp._), a family of pretty flowering shrubs.
The Karetu (_Hierochloe redolens_), which is not a shrub exactly, but a grass, renowned for its delicious scent.
The Kihi-kihi (_Pittosporum crassifolium_), a shrub with purple flowers, akin to the mapauriki.
The Kohia (_Passiflora tetandra_), the seeds of which yield a bland oil, that may probably be some day utilized.
The Korokio (_Corokia Buddleoides_), a fine erect tree, bearing a conspicuous red berry.
The Koromiko (_Veronica_, _sp._), these pretty species are astringent, and their shoots are a remedy for scouring in cattle.
The Kotukutuku (_Fuchsia excorticata_), when full-grown, it becomes one of the largest trees.
The Kowhaingutukaka (_Clianthus puniceus_), bears especially fine red and orange blossoms.
The Kumerahu (_Pomaderris elliptica_), is sweet-scented.
The Mairehau (_Phebalium nudum_), grows well.
The Oho (_Panax Lessonii_), is recommended, but we do not admire it.
The Pere (_Alseuosmia Banksii_), a straggling, spreading bush.
The Pikiarero (_Clematis indivisa_), is very plentiful in the forest. It has fine white, sweet-scented flowers.
The Ratapiki (_Metrosideros Florida_), is a species much the same as the akakura.
The Rohutu (_Myrtus pedunculata_), is pretty.
The Toro (_Persoonia Toro_), becomes a tree. It has rich foliage.
Besides these there are one or two climbers and shrubs that are plentiful everywhere, and must be noticed for other peculiarities. They are these:—
The Kareao (_Rhipogonum scandens_), well-known to settlers under the detested name of "supple-jack." It grows in long, winding canes, the thickness of one's finger, and so horny that they will turn an axe-edge. It often binds acres of trees together in impenetrable thickets, making the bushman's labour excessively difficult. Walking-stick makers export selected canes, and they are split and used as withes. The root is astringent, and is said to resemble sarsaparilla in medicinal virtue.