"The wild shrub Tutu (<i>Coriaria ruscifolia</i>), greedily devoured by sheep and cattle, produces a sort of `hoven' effect, something like that of rich clover pastures when stock break in and over feed. . . . Bleeding and a dose of spirits is the common cure. . . Horses and pigs are not affected by it."
1861. C. C. Bowen, `Poems,' p. 57:
"And flax and fern and tutu grew In wild luxuriance round."
1867. F. Hochstetter, `New Zealand,' p. 139:
"The toot-plant, tutu or tupakihi of the Maoris (<i>Coriaria sarmentosa</i>, Forst. = <i>C. ruscifolia</i>, L.), is a small bush, one of the most common and widely distributed shrubs of the islands. [New Zealand.] It produces a sort of `hoven' or narcotic effect on sheep and cattle, when too greedily eaten. It bears a fruit, which is produced in clusters, not unlike a bunch of currants, with the seed external, of a purple colour. The poisonous portion of the plant to man are the seeds and seedstalks, while their dark purple pulp is utterly innoxious and edible. The natives express from the berries an agreeable violet juice (carefully avoiding the seed), called native wine."
1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' p. 103:
"The tutu-tree,
Whose luscious purple clusters hang so free
And tempting, though with hidden seeds replete
That numb with deadly poison all who eat."
1883. J. Hector, `Handbook of New Zealand,' p. 131:
"Tupakihi, tree tutu. A perennial shrub ten to eighteen feet high; trunk six to eight inches in diameter. The so-called berries (fleshy petals) vary very much in succulence. . . . The juice is purple, and affords a grateful beverage to the Maoris; and a wine, like elderberry wine, has been made from them. The seeds and leaves contain a poisonous alkaloid, and produce convulsions, delirium and death, and are sometimes fatal to cattle and sheep."
1884. Alfred Cox, `Recollections,' p. 258: