Brachyglottis repanda

Brachyglottis repanda (rangiora or bushman's friend) is a small, bushy tree or tall shrub endemic to New Zealand. It grows to a height of 5 to 7 meters. The leaves are between 5-25 X 5-20 cm broad with lobed margins. The petioles of the leaves have a characteristic groove up to 10 cm long.[1] The large leaves with a soft furry underside have been referred to as "bushman's toilet paper".

Brachyglottis repanda
Scientific classification
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B. repanda
Binomial name
Brachyglottis repanda
J.R.Forster & G.Forster

Other common names in Māori (beyond rangiora) include kōuaha, pukapuka, pukariao, puke-rangiora, raurākau, raurēkau, whārangi, or whārangi-tawhito.

Māori used the plant for a number of medicinal uses. The leaves were used for wounds and old ulcerated sores, and the gum was chewed for foul breath but was poisonous if swallowed.[2]


References

  1. "Brachyglottis repanda (Rangiora)". Terrain.net.nz.
  2. Brooker, S. G.; R. C. Cambie; R.C. Cooper (1987). New Zealand Medicinal Plants. Reed Books. ISBN 0-7900-0250-7.

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