1. (noun) black maire, Nestegis cunninghamii - a tall handsome canopy tree growing up to 23 m high with a stout, straight trunk. Now found only in isolated North Island forests. The long leaves are leathery, but smaller in adult trees. Wood is heavy, dark brown, often streaked with black, and very hard. The bark is rough and corky. Red (sometimes yellow) fruits are profuse, giving the tree a bright yellow glow.