Maori Medicinal Plants

SKU: C0585

Long before introduced garden plants arrived in New Zealand, Māori had already developed a deep body of ...

Long before introduced garden plants arrived in New Zealand, Māori had already developed a deep body of knowledge about the native plants around them, including their use in rongoā, traditional Māori healing practices passed down through generations. The Māori Medicinal Plants collection brings five such species into the home garden, offering a way to connect with this history while growing plants that are, in their own right, tough, attractive and useful.

Manuka is probably the best known of the five, a hardy native shrub long associated with traditional use and now also familiar to most New Zealanders through manuka honey. Koromiko (Hebe) is an attractive, fast-growing native shrub with soft green foliage, traditionally held in high regard within Māori healing knowledge. Flax (Harakeke) is one of the most versatile plants in the New Zealand landscape, valued for centuries not only for its fibre and weaving uses but also within rongoā. Horopito, sometimes called bushman's pepper for the distinctive heat of its leaves, is a native shrub with a long association with traditional remedies. Kawakawa, closely related to kava and easily recognised by the small holes insects leave in its heart-shaped leaves, is one of the most widely known plants in rongoā Māori, its leaves traditionally prepared as a tea.

Beyond their traditional associations, all five are worthwhile native plants to grow simply for their garden merit. They're generally hardy once established, suited to native gardens, shaded corners or mixed borders, and each has its own distinct foliage and form, from the soft, felted leaves of koromiko to the bold, strappy clumps of harakeke.

This collection is intended as a way to grow these plants, learn about their place in Māori history and culture, and support biodiversity in your own garden, rather than as a guide to using them medicinally. Rongoā Māori is a specialised body of knowledge, and anyone interested in the therapeutic use of these plants is best served by seeking guidance from those with that expertise, rather than relying on a seed packet description.

For gardeners interested in native planting with genuine cultural depth, the Māori Medicinal Plants collection offers a thoughtful way to bring these five species into your own patch of ground, alongside a greater appreciation for the knowledge that surrounds them.

Grow native. Grow New Zealand.

Our Seed Collections have been created to contain some of our most well-loved varieties and to take the guesswork out of making seed selections yourself. Also fabulous as a gift for the gardeners in your life or those new to growing. For individual growing requirements for each of the varieties that make up this Seed Collection, please refer to the specific product information given for that variety.

Germination Capacity: Seed has been sustainably foraged and has not undergone commercial seed cleaning or grading. Natives can be erratic germinators and naturally low in germination capacity. Check expected germination rate under Product Information.

NZ $27.00

seed-collection

new

medicinal

good-value

Components

Contains an individual packet of each of the following varieties: Manuka, Koromiko (Hebe), Flax (Harakeke), Horopito, Kawakawa

Other Information

It is our intention to supply the varieties detailed for each Seed Collection. However, we reserve the right to substitute varieties when it becomes necessary due to seed availability.

Annual

A plant that completes its entire life cycle (germinates, grows a plant, flowers, produces seed, dies) in one season. It may self-sow, thereby giving the impression of being perennial. Most annuals will flower 60 to 75 days from sowing.

Hardy Annual

An annual that does not need to be germinated indoors but can be sown direct into its growing position in the garden in spring and is tolerant of frost.

Tender Annual

An annual that is frost tender and can be germinated indoors. Sowing direct or planting outdoors must not occur until all danger of frost has passed (also known as a Half-Hardy Annual).

Biennial
A plant that completes its entire life cycle in two years - growing in the first, reproducing and dying in the second. Typically, but not always, producing flowers only in the second year.

Perennial

A plant that can live for more than two years, surviving the winter and flowering each year from the second season. Perennials may flower within 90 days of sowing in their first season but will more typically flower in their second season.

Hardy Perennial

A perennial that is frost tolerant.

Tender Perennial

A perennial that is frost tender.

Hardy

A plant that will survive frost.

Tender

A plant that will not survive frost.

Bolting

Going to seed. Premature formation of a seed stalk, may be due to plant stress.

Botanical Name

The formal scientific name conforming to the International Code of Nomenclature for plants. Identifies the genus and species to which the plant belongs useful in distinguishing plants uniquely.

Cotyledon

The seed leaves or first leaves that emerge from a germinated seed, different in form from the later true leaves.

True Leaves

The leaves that emerge after the cotyledons which are indicative of the true form
of the plant’s leaves.

Determinate

Growth stopped by development of terminal flower buds. A dwarf/bush variety which sets fruit in a concentrated period.

Indeterminate

Growth continuing indefinitely when leaf buds form at the tip of the growth. These varieties need to be staked and continue to set fruit until frost.

Heirloom

A variety that is older than two generations (50 years). Can also be referred to as “Heritage” and is always an open pollinated variety selected for garden performance (flavour, long harvest).

Hybrid

A plant resulting from a cross between two parent plants to give a genetically superior plant i.e. improved disease resistance, better vigour, more uniform harvest. Normally, seed saved from hybrids does not grow true to type.

F1 - The first generation of such a cross. Denoted in the name of the variety.

F2 - The second generation of such a cross etc.

Open Pollinated

Natural cross between plants of the same variety. Refers to non-hybrid seeds or plants.

Scarification

The practice of scratching, sanding, notching or nicking the seed coat to assist germination. Used for seed of species that have very hard seed coats.

Stratification

The process of chilling seeds to promote germination by breaking dormancy. Can be artificially carried out by placing seed in your fridge. Follow specific instructions online for the period of chilling time.

Surface Sow

Seed that requires light to germinate. Sow seed on the surface. Press down into the soil. Keep moist.

Germination

Seed germination is the process by which a seed sprouts and begins to grow into a plant. It involves rehydrating the seed, activation of metabolic processes and the emergence of a young seedling from the seed coat. This process is triggered by factors like temperature, water and in some cases light.

Viability

The ability of seeds to germinate.

Vigour

The speed and the strength of the plant to establish well.

Delivery

Courier delivery by NZ Post.

Delivery available only to valid New Zealand
addresses.

The appropriate delivery charge will be applied at checkout.

Delivery charges are subject to change without notice.

You can track the status of your shipment via the link provided in your order confirmation email or by logging into your account online.

Click n Collect

Seed can only be collected from our warehouse at 189 Wharawhara Rd, Katikati.

Select Click n Collect at the checkout.

Click n Collect does not apply for collection at any Kings Seeds stockists nationwide.

Returns

Seed or Products can only be returned with authorisation from Kings Seeds.

Any request for the return of Seed or Products must be made within 14 days of delivery to info@kingsseeds.co.nz

Returned Seed or Products will only be accepted if unopened and in the same condition as when supplied and a record of your purchase can be found.

The Customer shall pay all costs in relation to return of the Seed or Products unless it is deemed a warranty issue.

Please see our Terms & Conditions of Sale for further information on our Returns Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plants are included in the Maori Medicinal Plants collection?

This collection includes Manuka, Koromiko (Hebe), Flax (Harakeke), Horopito and Kawakawa, five native species with a long history in traditional Māori rongoā.

What is rongoā Māori?

Rongoā Māori is the traditional Māori system of healing, which draws on native plants alongside other practices. It represents a deep, specialised body of knowledge developed and passed down over many generations.

Can I use these plants to treat health conditions myself?

This collection is intended for growing and learning about these plants and their cultural history, not as medical guidance. If you're interested in the therapeutic use of these species, it's best to seek advice from those trained in rongoā Māori rather than relying on general growing information.

Is Manuka from this collection the same plant used for manuka honey?

Yes, manuka honey comes from bees foraging on the flowers of the manuka shrub, the same plant included in this collection.

Are these plants suitable for a general native garden, not just a medicinal planting?

Yes, all five are hardy, attractive native plants in their own right and work well in a native garden, shaded border or mixed planting, regardless of whether you're specifically interested in their traditional uses.