The Tarairi tree is a member of the lauraceae family which also includes trees that cinnamon spice is produce from in India - does the layer underneath the bark of the tarairi tree also have similar qualities?
Yes, some Lauraceae do have aromatic bark, but unfortunately none is known for Taraire. The fruit is edible (it tastes a bit like olive) and was sometimes cooked by Maori in hangi with kereru
You will need to check this out further - but my understanding is that the bark contains toxic components - I would not advise you have a crack at munching on it. Dr Rhys Gardner at the Auckland Museum is the expert on our Lauraceae - you could contact him via Mr Ewen Cameron at [email protected] and see what he says. I agree the fruit is edible - but it tastes nasty
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