#2300 - Pterophylla racemosa - Kāmahi
A common endemic tree in New Zealand, from the Cunoniaceae. Unusually for the genus, which is mostly tropical, it thrives in cool climates all the way up into subalpine forest.
Before the arrival of Europeans, kāmahi was so valuable that it was protected by tapu. Māori were careful not to cut down all the tree’s limbs, lest they or their spouse may suffer serious consequences. Kāmahi bark was a rich source of tannins used to dye cloaks and mats, and to preserve fishing lines. Infusions of the inner bark were also used as a purgative.
The Cunoniaceae are most diverse in Australasia, where they have an excellent fossil record. They possibly evolved in the Cretaceous, which would explain the distribution of some of the genera, but long-distance dispersal is still required to explain others.
Horopito, North Island Volcanic Plateau, New Zealand.
