MATAGOURI Meaning and
Definition
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Matagouri is a shrub native to New Zealand (Discaria toumatou) that belongs to the family of Rosaceae. It is often referred to by its Māori name, "toumatou." Matagouri possesses a distinctive appearance with dark, wiry branches that are covered in sharp thorns. It typically grows in coastal areas, riverbanks, and alpine regions, and is well-adapted to withstand harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
This shrub can reach a height of up to two meters and forms dense thickets due to its ability to produce numerous suckers from its root system. The leaves of matagouri are small, leathery, and heart-shaped, providing an evergreen feature to the shrub. Its flowers, which appear in spring and summer, are inconspicuous and greenish in color.
Matagouri is an important plant in New Zealand's ecology as it provides shelter and nesting sites for native birds and other wildlife. Its thorny branches act as effective deterrents against grazing animals, protecting vulnerable habitats from excessive browsing. Additionally, some traditional Māori communities value its leaves and branches for traditional weaving practices.
The name "matagouri" is derived from the Māori words "mata," meaning "face," and "gouri," meaning "sharp," accurately reflecting the shrub's appearance with sharp, prickly branches. Matagouri is also known by several other common names, including "wild Irishman" and "green matagouri."
Common Misspellings for MATAGOURI
- natagouri
- katagouri
- jatagouri
- mztagouri
- mstagouri
- mwtagouri
- mqtagouri
- maragouri
- mafagouri
- magagouri
- mayagouri
- ma6agouri
- ma5agouri
- matzgouri
- matsgouri
- matwgouri
- matqgouri
- matafouri
- matavouri
- matabouri
Etymology of MATAGOURI
The word "matagouri" has its origins in the Māori language, the indigenous language of New Zealand. In Māori, the plant is called "makatiti". The etymology of "matagouri" comes from the combination of two Māori words: "mata", which means "face" or "expression", and "gouri", which means "scorn" or "insult". Together, "mata" and "gouri" describe the plant's thorny and unfriendly appearance, which can be seen as intimidating or scornful. Thus, "matagouri" refers to the prickly shrub or plant found in New Zealand's native landscapes.
