patatē
1. (noun) seven finger, Schefflera digitata - a small forest tree which has hand-shaped leaves with fine teeth and three to nine 'fingers'. Flowers in large drooping stalks. A soft wood used in making fire. Found from North Island to Stewart Island in damp parts of the forest and along stream banks.
Koirā a ia i kī ai: 'Māku anō e hanga tōku nei whare. Ko te tāhuhu he hīnau ko ngā poupou he māhoe, patatē. Me whakatupu ki te hua o te rengarenga, me whakapakari ki te hua o te kawariki.' (TTR 1994:134). / That's why he said: 'I myself shall build my house. The ridge-pole will be of hīnau and the supporting posts of māhoe and patatē. Raise the people with the fruit of the rengarenga, strengthened them with the fruits of the kawariki.'
