Sacred plant to Māori people, New Zealand after their arrival from Polynesia after 1250. The nectar from its flowers made a sweet drink. The roots could be crushed to make poultices for skin infections and to produce a juice with disinfectant and laxative properties. The gum from the base of the leaves eased pain and healed wounds, especially burns. The leaves themselves could be used as bandages and to secure broken bones.⁠