Corynocarpus laevigata.

Botanical name: 

Corynocarpus laevigata Forst. Anacardiaceae. New Zealand Laurel.

New Zealand. The pulp of the drupe of this tree is edible, but the embryo is considered poisonous until steeped in salt water. Bennett says it is valued for its fruit and seeds, the former of the size of a plum, pulpy in the interior and sweet. The seeds are used in times of scarcity and contain a tasteless, farinaceous substance. The new seeds are, however, poisonous until steamed for a day and soaked.


Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World, 1919, was edited by U. P. Hedrick.