NATIVE MEDICINAL PLANTS. 493 
virulently poisonous alkaloid which produces the most violent 
convulsions, and leaves the patient’s body, when death does 
not ensue, in the most tearful state of incurable distortion. It 
is said to twist the head round. 
KARE-AO (RuHIPOGOoNUM PARVIFLORUM), Supple Jack. 
Decoction of the roots good in rheumatism, bowel com- 
plaints, also for fever and general debility, and for skin 
diseases, &c. 
KAWA KAWA (MacropIrer EXxcELSuM) PEPPER TREE. 
Ornamental shrub, very aromatic, diuretic. The leaves 
are chewed for toothache, or reduced to a pulp in hot 
water and applied to the face when swelled); also to 
any part of the body for rheumatic pains. Decoction 
of leaves and young twigs macerated in hot water is good for 
pains in the stomach; drank hot and continued for several 
days for gonorrheea. 
KORO-MIKO (Veronica). 
Astringent, for dysentery, &c. Thedecoction is good for 
ulcers, and for venereal disease. 
KOHE-KOHE (Dysoxyitum SPECTABILE. ) 
A few leaves macerated in hot water, forming a very weak 
decoction, taken by women who have lost their children, to 
stop the secretion of their milk. The decoction must be weak, 
and not taken more than once a day. Invalids take it as a 
tonic to strengthen the stomach and allay irritating cough. 
KO-HIA (PassirLoraA TETRANDRA) a Climbing Plant. 
The seeds are bruised into a pulp, and treated in a Maori 
oven, then pressed, yielding a clear oil, which is used as a 
salve for obstinate old wounds and sore breasts. The oil is 
called ‘* Hinu Kohia.” 
KOPA-KOPA (Common PLANTAIN. ) 
Boiled leaves applied to ulcers. The upper side of the 
leaf draws. When it begins to heal, the under side is laid on, 
