Māori / Aotearoa · III The Pantry
Mamaku — Black Tree Fern
I
Origin
Māori
II
Description
Mamaku (Cyathea medullaris) is the black tree fern — the tallest native tree fern in NZ. The pith of the trunk was eaten by Māori: cooked in the hāngi or roasted, it has a starchy, slightly mucilaginous texture. Fiso uses mamaku in modern preparations (purées, garnishes). The frond tips are pikopiko. The tree itself provides both food and medicine. Mamaku represents the Māori forest-as-larder philosophy: the same tree that provides building material provides food, medicine, and cultural identity.
III
The Thread
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IV
Flavour Context
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Pillars V — VII
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