The leaves of the tree fuchsia had a very important use for Maori women. After childbirth they sometimes used a vapour bath on the first and second days after their confinement, the bath lasting an hour each time.

“The young bark is said to contain a bitter principle having tonic qualities similar to quinine” (Goldie). The bark and heart wood have been investigated and much tannin has been found.

Though it belongs to the Auckland Province, it is hardy and will grow anywhere. The liquid from the boiled leaves gives instant relief from stomach ache (Adams).

Another method was to soak the berries in water for a month or so, usually in the hull of a canoe; then lift them out and dry them on flax mats in the sun. They then rubbed them between their hands to separate the floury part from the skin and kernels before baking them into cake