Story: Kauri gum and gum digging

Fire starter

Fire starter

Kauri gum burns readily. The flame is about twice the size of the chunk of gum, which gives off black smoke with an odour similar to sealing wax. It bubbles like golden syrup as it burns, and leaves a small lump of black resin when it is spent.

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Private collection
Photograph by Mark Walrond

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Kauri gum and gum digging - Origin and early uses', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12950/fire-starter (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 24 Sep 2007