Pomaderris kumeraho

Kumarahou
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Rhamnaceae
Genus:	Pomaderris
Species:	P. kumeraho
Binomial name
Pomaderris kumeraho A.Cunn. ex Fenzl

Pomaderris kumeraho or kumarahou, also known as gumdigger's soap, is a plant endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. The name kumarahou is derived from a Maori word, signifying a shrub.^[1] Kumarahou grows up to four meters in height, and flowers in September, with yellow blossoms. The name "Gumdigger's soap" was given owing to the lather created when the flowers were rubbed with water.

Medicinal uses

Kumarahou has many uses in traditional Maori medicine, although there is little scientific confirmation of its benefits.^[2] Infusions of the leaves have been said to relieve various respiratory ailments and skin disorders.^[3]

References

1. Williams, William (1892). A dictionary of the New Zealand language. Aukland: Upton and Co. p. 78.
2. Herb Federation of New zealand (March 2008). "Pomaderris kumaraho".
3. "Demystifying Rongoā Māori: Traditional Māorihealing". BPJ (13): 35. 2008.