Koru Puzzle with Bush Image Tray
Below information is printed on the back of the tray for your reference:
The symbol of new growth, new life, peace and tranquillity. The Koru also depicts endearment in the form of the relationship of a parent and a child or husband and wife. The Koru can also represent a new beginning. Many Maori patterns are taken from “Mother Nature” as is the case with Koru.
The Ponga can be found growing throughout New Zealand from the North Island down to the west coast of the South Island. The Ponga (Silver Fern) is a species of tree fern that displays a narrow brown trunk and elegant green leaves with shimmering silver undersides. The Ponga is endemic to New Zealand, growing nowhere else in the world. Like other ferns, the Ponga loves moist, organic conditions. It has a long history of human use that isn't limited to looking pretty in the garden. Maori ate the pith of the starch-rich stems, as well as the young, unfurled fronds (piko piko). They would use the underside of the fern frong which is silver and illuminates at night, to find their way in and out of the bush.
Traditional uses of Ponga included as building material, treating skin problems, marking tracks for night-time use, and the trunk’s woody fibre was used to make poisonous Taiaha (spear like weapon) tips.