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

Ibid. vol. ii. c. iv. p. 231:

"Part of our road lay through a thick mahogany scrub."

<hw>Mai</hw>, or <hw>Matai</hw>, <i>n</i>. a New Zealand tree, now called <i>Podocarpus spicata</i>.

1855. Rev. R. Taylor, `Te Ika a Maui,' p. 440:

"Matai, mai (<i>Dacrydium mai</i>), a tree with a fine thick top, and leaf much resembling that of the yew. The wood is of a slightly reddish colour, close-grained, but brittle, and peculiarly fragrant when burnt. . . . Highly prized for fuel, and also much used for furniture, as it works up easily and comes next to the totara for durability."

1876. W. <i>n</i>. Blair, `Transactions of New Zealand Institute,' vol. ix. art. x. p. 157:

"I have in this paper adhered to the popular name of black-pine for this timber, but the native name matai is always used in the north."

<hw>Maiden's</hw> Blush, <i>n</i>. name given to the Australian tree <i>Echinocarpus australis</i>, Benth., <i>N.O.</i> <i>Tiliaceae</i>; and sometimes applied to <i>Euroschinus falcatus</i>, Hook., <i>N.O. Anacardiaceae</i>. The timber is of a delicate rosy colour when cut. The fruit is called <i>Hedgehog-fruit</i> (q.v.). In Tasmania, the name is applied to <i>Convolvulus erubescens</i>, Sims., order <i>Convolvulaceae</i>.

<hw>Maire</hw>, <i>n</i>. a Maori name applied to three kinds of trees; viz.—

(1) <i>Santalum cunninghamii</i>, Hook., a sandal-wood;