Page:Reminiscences of Earliest Canterbury 1915.pdf/104

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ties. It is much in request for hedges, and as an ornamental shrub on lawns, etc.

Mako never grows more than six to eight inches through. Has a fine flower, and plentiful berries growing, like black currants. The wood is very fight and tough, making good clogs.

Hoheria, or Ribbonwood, ranks among the finest flowering shrubs. The bark splits into innumerable layers, and is useful to gardeners in tying up plants. One variety is a fair-sized tree, and as it splits well, it was at one time used for rafters. Nowadays the wood is not used.

Rewa-rewa, or Honeysuckle, grows only in the North Island, and the timber being marked like oak (only with a larger and more regular pattern), is much used for ornamental work (imitation basket work), and gives a striking and handsome effect when polished. It is seldom used in house-work, does not attain a great size, and is of no use in the ground.

Kotuku-tuku or Fuchsia—The native fuchsia is very widely distributed throughout the bush. The berry is edible, having a sweet taste. The native name for the berry is konini, and it is the staple diet of the wild