Stilbocarpa

Stilbocarpa
Stilbocarpa polaris
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Subfamily: Aralioideae
Genus: Stilbocarpa
(Hook.f.) Decne. & Planch.
Species
Synonyms
  • Kirkophytum (Harms) Allan

Stilbocarpa is a genus of flowering plant most often placed in the family Araliaceae; it might be closer to the Apiaceae however. It comprises 3 species, two of which are endemic to New Zealand, while one is also found on Australia's subantarctic Macquarie Island.

Temporary flutes are spoken of as being made from the hollow stalks of "bunui" (S. lyallii, S. polaris) by Māori children in Aotearoa New Zealand during historical times, while taking a break from the hard work of muttonbirding.[1] Richard Nunns with Allan Thomas quote George Te Au of Murihiku saying "They lasted for a while, then they collapsed."

References

  1. Nunns, Richard; Thomas, Allan (2014). Te Ara Puoro. Nelson, Aotearoa New Zealand: Craig Potton Publishing. p. 154. ISBN 978-1-877517-78-5.