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.

For toothache a piece of the inner bark was held in the mouth, or they steeped bark in water and used it as a mouthwash and gargle ....... The flowers contain much nectar and people with sore throats sucked this honey through a reed.