Red Clover

Botanical Name:   Trifolium paratense

Maori Name:        

Common Name:    Red Clover

Medicinal Use:      Menopause issues

Who would have thought huh! this plant grown mainly as pasture for the animals can help with menopausal issues for women, and is seen to have cancer fighting properties - a little plant with a big mahi.

Such a pretty looking plant but it is not so prolific in my area of Tamaki Makaurau.  I've found a very small patch where I can gather a handful at a time, but it is in an area where soon a bulldozer will take it over.  When the opportunity to trade Kumarahou for Red Clover came along, I was in there with a grin.

Thank you my Hawkes Bay sis for this taonga.

Medicinally the plant can by used for women's issues and it has cancer fighting properties.

Rongoa Rakau

Botanical Name:   Myrsine Australis

Maori Name:         Mapou

Common Name:    Red Matipo

Medicinal Use:      Used for toothache and for cleaning teeth (as defined in Landcare dbase)

I like this rakau, it grows prolifically where I live in Tamaki Makaurau.  It is also found throughout the motu.

It's not a bad looking rakau with its crinkly leaves. It can be easily identified by red and purple like splotches on the leaves and its red stems and bark.  This rakau is usually found around the outer edges of the ngahere.

Medicinally the rakau can by used for pain management.