1. (noun) tawāpou, Planchonella costata - a branched tree reaching 15 m high found on islands and headlands from North Cape to Tolaga Bay in the east and to the Manukau Harbour in the west. Branches are clothed with hairs and the oval-oblong leaves are thick, leathery and shiny with a distinct midvein and lateral veins. Branches exude a milky fluid if cut. Large, tough, leathery leaves are glossy with obvious veins. Flowers are usually solitary and fruit is orange to purple-black containing 1-4 hard, curved, polished seeds. Also called Pouteria costata.