The Tawairaunui (Fagus fusca) is a species of the former, known as "black birch." It is stronger and more durable, attains a greater size, but is not so plentiful in the North. The juice is saccharine, like that of the American maple.
The Puriri (Vitex littoralis) is sometimes called "teak," or "ironwood." The tree is less than the last. The timber is hard, heavy, very durable, very hard to work, and of a greenish colour. It is commonly used for piles and posts, where the maximum of toughness and durability is required.
The Kowhai (Sophora tetraptera) yields timber similar to that of the puriri, but of somewhat inferior quality. It is a fine tree, branching well, and bearing a gold-coloured blossom, whose honey attracts multitudes of tui (parson-birds) in the season.
The Pohutukawa (Metrosideros tomentosa) is called "the Settlers' Christmas Tree," as its scarlet flowers appear about that time. It does not attain more than fifty or sixty feet of height, but is bulky, and has a rich foliage. The wood is most important, being used for knees and ribs in ship building. The bark is astringent, medicinal, and is used in tanneries.
The Hinau (Elaeocarpus dentatus) produces a good bark for tanning and dyeing. It is not among the largest trees. The Maori used its juice as a dye, and in the process of moku.
The Tanekaha (Phyllocladus trichomanoides) is a larger tree again. The timber is used for planks and spars. The bark gives a red-brown dye, formerly used by the Maori, and is exceedingly rich in tannin.
The Kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa) is a small tree. It bears a pretty flower, and is a great ornament. The bark is used in tanneries.
The Kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) reaches sixty feet. It has magnificent foliage, yields a good timber for fencing, makes first-rate shingles, and contains a bitter principle of tonic quality, like quassia.
The Kawa-kawa (Piper excelsum) is a large shrub of the pepper tribe, allied to kava and cubebs. It is ornamental, and has an aromatic scent.
The Pukatea (Atherosperma N.Z.) is a tree of the second largest class. Its timber is soft but durable, and is much used for boat-building. It is a remarkably handsome tree.