The Manuka or Manukau (_Leptospermum scoparium, et ericoides_), is the "ti-tree" of settlers. In one condition it is low shrubbery, not unlike heather, called then Rawiri by the Maori. "Second-growth ti-tree" is like a plantation of cane, coming up very densely. This brushwood is useful for small purposes about a house. It develops into wattles and stakes after twenty years or so; these are of great value for fencing. Finally, the plant becomes one of the largest forest-trees, yielding a hard, close-grained timber. There are red and white varieties. The Maori particularize it as Kahikatea, when in the tree condition. A sort of manna, which exudes from the plant in all stages, is called by them Piamanuka. Ti-tree springs upon any land that has been cleared or burnt, and comes up densely and rapidly. It is the chief weed the pioneer farmer has to contend with.
The Tawa (_Nesodaphne Tawa_) grows to nearly as great a size as the kahikatea, though branching and spreading more. Its timber, however, is soft and not of value.
The Taraire (_Nesodaphne Taraire_) is a huge and handsome tree of a kindred species. Like the tawa, its wood is light and brittle. The berries of both are eaten, usually after having been boiled.
The Whau (_Entelea arborescens_) is a small tree, noticeable for its fine foliage. The wood is light, and the tree yields a fair substitute for cork.
The Whau-whau-paku (_Panax arborea_) is similarly to be noticed for its elegant glossy leaf.
The Patate (_Schefflera digitata_) is another small tree remarkable on the same account.
The Piripiriwhata (_Carpodetus serratus_) grows to about thirty feet in height. The timber is something like that of the ash, and is excellent for axe-handles, cart-shafts, etc.
The Rama-rama (_Myrtus bullata_) has a good hard wood, but is small. Its pink flower is a great ornament.
The Raukawa (_Panax Edgerleyi_) is a larger ornamental tree.
The Rewa-rewa (_Knightia excelsa_) approaches to the second class of the great trees. It is often a hundred feet in height, but the trunk is slender. Its wood has a splendidly showy grain for cabinet work.
The Tarata (_Pittosporum eugenioides_) is a small tree noted for its purple blossom.
The Tawairauriki (_Fagus Solandri_) is the "White Birch" of settlers. It reaches upwards of a hundred feet; but its timber is inferior and less durable than that of either the red or black varieties.