Apiarists say that manuka honey is second only to the famous heather honey of Scotland. The manuka has often been called a herb. Both plants have the same virtues, but the Maori people preferred this variety, (Tree manuka, white manuka) using the leaves and bark in a variety of w

The stems of young fronds can be peeled and the pith sliced, steamed for a long time in a hangi and then threaded through a stick and dried in the sun. It is said to have the taste of dried apples.

They boiled the leaves in a little water and used the liquid to bathe rheumatic joints, and to soothe burns.....They also soaked the bark in cold water for eye troubles.....Early settlers made jelly of the berries.

The Maori people rubbed their bodies with young branches, and wove sachets of the fragrant leaves..........and the fragrance of the leaves and flowers add to its charm.