Mamuku

Maori name: Mamaku

Common name: Black tree fern

Botanical name: Cyathea medullaris

Mamuku is commonly found throughout the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

The mamaku was applied raw to sores and areas of chafing as a dressing.

The gum was also applied to cuts to stop bleeding.

A concoction of mamaku, ngaio, kapuka, piupiu and kawakawa was used to treat a sore stomach. The mixture was boiled and given by mouth, and then the patient would lie on an earth oven and be covered with soil so that they were surrounded by steam. This was repeated until the patient is cured.

The gum was also chewed and found to be useful in treating diarrhoea .