Te Raupua

Te Raupua is a Māori term primarily referring to the flower of the raupō plant (Typha orientalis), commonly known in English as bulrush or reedmace. More broadly, the term can encompass the entire flowering head of the raupō, including both the male and female parts.

The raupō plant is significant in Māori culture and traditional practices. Te Raupua, as the flower, holds a particular importance. The pollen from the male flowers was sometimes collected and used as a food source. The downy substance released from the mature female flower head also had various uses, including wound dressing and bedding.

Beyond the literal flower, "Te Raupua" can sometimes be used metaphorically to represent abundance, fertility, or resourcefulness, drawing upon the widespread availability and diverse uses of the raupō plant. Understanding the cultural context is essential to interpreting the precise meaning.