Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

kiwikiwi, kiwakiwa (Best 1907), kawakawa (Makereti 1938). Names all in Williams 1971. 

Creek fern, kiwikiwi

Chewed for cure for ulceration or sore mouth or tongue (Best 1906, 1907). Crushed fronds used when weaning, rubbed on breasts to give them a bitter taste (Best 1907, Makereti 1938)

See Riley 1994 for information on medicinal uses of related plants elsewhere in the world.

Chemical compounds listed in Cambie 1976, with references.

24 species of 64 New Zealand ferns exhibit insect moulting hormone activity. Ecdysones responsible isolated from 4 Blechnum species. (Russell and Fenemore 1971)