Laurelia novae-zelandiae
Quick Summary
Laurelia novae-zelandiae, commonly known as New Zealand or Northern Pukatea, is a species of tree native to New Zealand. It belongs to the order Laurales, which includes flowering plants like laurels and avocados.1
This tree is valued for its wood, which is light, hard, and difficult to split, making it suitable for boat building and furniture making. The bark of Laurelia novae-zelandiae contains an alkaloid called pukateine, which has potent pain-relieving properties, similar to morphine. Historically, the bark was used to treat various ailments, including ulcers, skin conditions, toothaches, and neuralgia.1
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