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Story: Plant extracts

Horopito

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Horopito

The compound that causes the burning, pungent taste of horopito is called polygodial. It is an active antifungal ingredient, and an insect anti-feedant (its taste deters insects from browsing).

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10050396

by Chris Rudge

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How to cite this page

Nigel Perry, Plant extracts – Toxic and commercial compounds, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/14468/horopito (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Nigel Perry, published 2 March 2009.