Baser. — Medicinal Properties of N.Z. Plants. 821 



eating karaka berries cattle become much excited, and lose all 

 power in or control over their hind legs. Milking-cows are 

 more affected than store cattle, their milk rapidly drying up." 

 Other settlers, on the other hand, tell me that their cattle eat 

 the karaka berries with impunity. Probably this difference in 

 report is owing to the quantity consumed, Awhitu having always 

 been celebrated for its karaka groves. The karaka is a prolific 

 bearer, and if a surer and better treatment than that of the 

 Maori could be found, there appears to be no reason why, if 

 perfectly deprived of their karakiue, the seeds should not be an 

 article of food. 



Waoeiki. 



This is a swamp grass, growing in the north of this Island. 

 According to Mr. F. Maxwell, it is poisonous to sheep. 



PuKiKi (Vitex littoralis), and Manuka. 



May be classed amongst dangerous plants, from the severe 

 inflammation caused by splinters penetrating the skin of hands 

 or feet. 



Anodynes. 



I have not heard of any native plant possessing this quality. 



Cathartic. 

 Phormium tenax. 



A decoction of the root is a strong purgative. In vol. 6 of 

 " Transactions," p. 260, aj^pea s an able paper by Mr. A. H. 

 Church; the chapter on the "bitter principle" is instructive. 

 This principle Mr. Church considers tonic. In an appendix is 

 an analysis of the seed, showing that it is rich in oil, a fact not 

 generally known ; he gives the proportion of oil at 20 per cent : 

 that is, lOOlbs. weight of flax-seed would yield more than 

 2 gallons of oil. 



Demulcent. 



Kakiao, or Supplejack [PJiipogonum scandens). 



A concentrated decoction of the root has a scent and flavour 

 like that of sarsaparilla. It is sweetish, and certainly demulcent 

 to the throat. Its qualities deserve attention. 



ASTEINGENTS. 



Our flora is rich in plants of this kind — used as cures for 



diarrhoea, or as styptics. 



KoEOMiKO, or Veronica (F. salicifolia). 



This is a well-known remedy, for diarrhoea used by Natives 

 and settlers. A few of the young leaves chewed and swallowed 



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