Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

1883. J. Hector, `Handbook of New Zealand,' p. 129:

"Tawa. A lofty forest tree, sixty to seventy feet high, with slender branches. The wood is light and soft, and is much used for making butter-kegs."

<hw>Tawara</hw>, <i>n</i>. Maori name for the flower of the <i>Kie-kie</i> (q.v.), <i>Freycinetia Banksii</i>.

<hw>Tawhai</hw>, or <hw>Tawai</hw>, <i>n</i>. Maori name for several species of New Zealand Beech-trees, <i>N.O. Cupuliferae</i>. The settlers call them <i>Birches</i> (q.v.).

1873. `Catalogue of Vienna Exhibition':

"Tawhai. Large and durable timber, used for sleepers."

1883. J. Hector, `Handbook of New Zealand,' p. 125:

"Tawhai, Red-birch (from colour of bark). A handsome tree, eighty to one hundred feet high. <i>Fagus Menziesii</i>, Hook. [also called large-leaved birch]. Tawhai, Tawhairaunui, Black-birch of Auckland and Otago (from colour of bark), <i>Fagus fusca</i>, Hook."

<hw>Tawhiri</hw>, or <hw>Tawiri</hw>, <i>n</i>. Maori name for the <i>Black Mapau</i>. A name applied to the tree <i>Pittosporum tenuifolium</i>, <i>N.O. Pittosporeae</i>. It is profusely covered with a fragrant white blossom. See <i>Mapau</i>.

1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' p. 108: