Plant Compounds

Hand holding a cluster of yellow kumarahou flowers from new zealand

New Zealand's native plants are geographically limited to a small and isolated part of the world, shaped by distinct climates, soils, and ecological history.

This rarity has helped give rise to phytochemical profiles found nowhere else in the world.

If you are beginning your discovery of native botanicals and their historical uses, this is a great place to start.

The plant compounds below do not show the full composition of the plant, they are properties that have been researched or tested for.

Kūmarahou — Pomaderris kumeraho

Kūmarahou has long been valued for daily wellness and vitality within Maoridom. It is linked to respiratory support, daily tonic use, and external cleansing.

Plant compounds

  • Triterpenoid saponins
  • Flavonoids (including Quercetin and Rutin)
  • Phenolic compounds

Leaf Character

  • Shape: Oval to slightly elongated.
  • Surface (top): Matt green, slightly rough.
  • Underside: Pale and soft with fine hairs.
  • Texture: Dense not soft or fleshy.
  • Aroma when crushed: Mild, smells like rubber.
  • Taste: Distinctly bitter.

Further reading:

Māori herbal medicine

Horopito — Pseudowintera colorata

Horopito is recognised for its distinctive sting when chewed — a sharp, warming sensation that sets it apart from other native species. This character reflects the plant's natural chemistry.

Primary Properties

Leaf character

  • Shape: Oval to lance-shaped.
  • Colour: Green shades with irregular red to burgundy splotches.
  • Surface: Matte to a dull shine.
  • Thickness: Firm but flexible.
  • Veining: Fine and subtle.
  • Aroma when crushed: Herbaceous, floral, spice like.
  • Taste: lingering almost numbing sting on the palate.

Further reading:

Antimicrobial

Mānuka Leaf — Leptospermum scoparium

Mānuka is a native shrub recognised for its spiky small leaves and aromatic profile. While widely known for its honey, the leaf itself carries its own distinctive properties. These include anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and calming properties.

Primary Properties

  • β-triketones (specific to certain chemotypes)
  • Flavonoids (vary depending on type)
  • Antioxidant rich
  • Essential oil
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-microbial

Leaf Character

  • Shape: Narrow, pointed.
  • Size: Short and compact.
  • Surface: Smooth, matte to slightly glossy.
  • Thickness: Tough and leathery.
  • Edge: Fine, clean outline with a sharp tip.
  • Aroma when crushed: Strong, resinous, slightly medicinal.
  • Taste (infusion): Aromatic floral and earthy notes.

Further reading:

Learn about our unique mānuka chemotype HERE

Antioxidant research and alzheimers

Kānuka — Kunzea ericoides

Kānuka is a native tree recognised for its fine leaves and clouds of small white flowers, long valued for its aromatic leaf and gentle yet distinctive character.

Properties

  • Flavonoids (including Quercetin)
  • Phenolic acids
  • Tannins
  • Aromatic volatile oils
  • Anti-microbial

Leaf Character

  • Shape: Very narrow,but softer then mānuka.
  • Size: Small and slender.
  • Surface: Matte lime green to dark green.
  • Thickness: Thin and pliable.
  • Density on branch: Closely spaced, giving a feathered look.
  • Aroma when crushed: Fresh, sweet, floral.
  • Taste (infusion): highly floral with intense flavour.

Further reading:

Photoaging