horopito
(hɔə-, hɒrəʊˈpiːtəʊ)
[Maori.]
A small, aromatic, evergreen New Zealand tree, Pseudowintera axillaris; = pepper-tree b.
| 1847 G. F. Angas Savage Life II. 17 A straggling shrub, with bright green shining leaves, resembling those of the nutmeg-tree; and a profusion of rich and delicate blossoms, looking like waxwork... The natives call this plant horopito. 1889 T. Kirk Forest Flora N.Z. pl. 2 (caption) The horopito, or pepper-tree of the settlers. 1963 Poole & Adams Trees & Shrubs N.Z. 40 Pseudowintera axillaris (J. R. & G. Forst.) Dandy. (Flowers borne in the axils of the leaves.) Horopito. Small tree reaching 8 m. 1966 Encycl. N.Z. II. 117/1 Horopito..is unpalatable to deer. |