The Ngaio (nye-oh) tree can be found growing, bent to the prevailing wind, on exposed, coastal hillsides. A small, determined, evergreen tree with leaves that are ever so slightly toxic. It has a dainty white flower that matures into a cerise – purple berry ( also slightly toxic). Traditionally, Maori used to rub Ngaio leaves on their skin to repel biting insects.
The Ngaio tree grows into darkly intense and gnarled shapes featuring knobbly, arthritic lumps, and bumps. She came to fame in the Maori legend ‘Rona and the Moon’ – when Rona tried to use her as an anchor to save herself from being pulled up to the moon. Rona was unsuccessful and can be seen to this day hanging on to the face of the moon with her Ngaio tree.
I have pictured Ngaio in her dryad form. She carries a lamp made from one of her cerise berries, and small white flowers drift from her hair. She is accompanied by a small nocturnal Ruru ( Morepork owl).
Ngaio bends to prevailing winds but doesn’t break. She survives a harsh environment. She remains green in all seasons. She has hidden beauty in tiny, white flowers and rich colored berries concealed in her foliage. She is toxic to the unaware, but can provide protection from small biting insects.
Ngaio – there’s a lot to like.
