The ‘Koru

I have been watching the Tree ferns on the corner of out street so I could get at shot of fronds. When they are young they are tightly coiled into a tight spiral. This shape, called a ‘koru’ in Māori, is a popular motif in many New Zealand designs. The silver fern or ponga is a national symbol and is named for the silver underside of its fronds.

Maori made use of the ponga by cutting the fronds for sleeping on. In addition the fronds were also used as route markers in times of war. Making a track through the bush at night, Maori warriors would lay the silver fern fronds white side up, tips pointing in the direction of travel. The track could be seen at night by the apparent glow of the white frond contrasted against the dark background; enabling an attack of the enemy at first light.

The rhizome hairs were used as a wound dressing and the pith as a poultice for cutaneous eruptions. In addition ponga powder was used by the early New Zealand settlers for the reduction of fever.

The spiral shoots were a traditional food of Māori. Slimy when fresh, they were sometimes hung to dry before being eaten. They are becoming popular in restaurants lately... I have never tried them.
For more information and the Tree fern.

Today has been very cold and grey.. wish we could have a good fall of rain and then the sun can come back again!