Story: Rural language

Wild Irishman (2nd of 2)

Wild Irishman

Wild Irishman or matagouri (Discaria toumatou) shrub was often a problem for early settlers in Central Otago and the eastern South Island. Not only could its thorns inflict a painful wound, but it inhibited the growth of pasture. The word matagouri is a corruption of the shrub’s Māori name, tūmatakuru.

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Photograph by Maggy Wassilieff

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How to cite this page:

Dianne Bardsley, 'Rural language - Farming difficulties', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/18605/wild-irishman (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Dianne Bardsley, published 24 Nov 2008