Karaka is a round-headed tree native to New Zealand and its offshore islands. It grows from 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters) high. It has glossy, dark green, laurellike leaves, and sprays of small, greenish flowers. The orange fruit is shaped like a small plum and grows to about 11/2 inches (3 centimeters) long.
The karaka tree is important to Māori. Māori wear wreaths of karaka leaves when visiting the graves of their ancestors. Karaka trees are often found growing around Māori ceremonial houses. The seed kernels of the karaka are dried and eaten on special occasions. The seeds are extremely poisonous if eaten untreated. To remove the poison, the seeds are first baked in earth and then washed in running water. The fleshy part of the karaka fruit is also eaten.
