Pronunciation: [kˈiːki] (IPA) 
The word "Kiekie" is a Maori term that refers to a climbing plant found in New Zealand. The spelling of this word is pronounced as /kiːkɪɛ/, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced as the English word "key" with a long "e" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "kee" with a short "i" sound. The doubled "k" in the spelling emphasises the hard "k" sound at the beginning of each syllable.
Kiekie is a noun that refers to a type of climbing plant commonly found in New Zealand, belonging to the genus Freycinetia. It is a woody and perennial vine that grows in forests and shrublands, characterized by its long, flexible stems and large glossy leaves. The plant is known for its ability to climb and attach itself to other plants or structures for support, using specialized aerial roots.
Kiekie is a significant part of the flora of New Zealand and has cultural importance to the Māori people. Its leaves were traditionally used in various cultural practices, such as weaving and handicrafts, due to their strength and flexibility. The plant's fibrous stems were also utilized for making ropes and bindings.
In terms of appearance, kiekie bears small and inconspicuous greenish-white flowers, which later produce small red or orange fruits that are enjoyed by native birds. The plant can grow to be several meters long, forming dense and tangled thickets.
Due to its strong climbing ability and its lush foliage, kiekie is often admired for its ornamental value and can be found in gardens or horticultural settings. It adds a touch of natural beauty and can provide shade or privacy when trained to climb on structures or fences.
Overall, kiekie is a fascinating plant that showcases the diversity of New Zealand's flora, with its ability to climb, its cultural significance, and its aesthetic appeal.
The word "kiekie" has origins in the Māori language, which is the indigenous language of New Zealand. In Māori, "kiekie" refers to a native climbing plant known as Freycinetia banksii. The name is derived from the Māori word "kī" meaning "to shriek or cry" and "e" which is an intensifier. It is believed that the name refers to the sound the plant makes when its leaves rub against each other in the wind. Over time, the term "kiekie" has been adopted and used in English to refer to this specific plant species.
