FAMILY: Polygonaceae Dock family

BOTANICAL NAME: Polygonum aviculare. Introduced.

MĀORI NAME: mākākaka (Williams 1971), makahakaha (Best 1929)

COMMON NAME: wireweed

NOTES: 'A creeping plant found growing on sandy areas..; it is not a climbing plant' (Best)

MEDICINAL: Scraped and smoothed, then coiled up in water..to keep it soft and pliable. Might be soaked in oil for a while (possibly tītoki) prior to use. Used for tying the iho (cord) at birth (Best 1929).