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Glite Dictionary
purau

purau

9.9
A small tree that grows by the sea with large yellow flowers and strong fibers
  • noun
  • New Zealand
translation icon : purau
  • The lightweight wood of the purau is perfect for making canoe outriggers.

Examples

  • Traditional rope is often made from the strong fibers of the purau tree.

  • The purau tree grows near the beach.

  • In village gardens, the purau is prized for its large yellow flowers and dense foliage.

  • Many islands in the Pacific have purau trees.

  • The lightweight wood of the purau is perfect for making canoe outriggers.

  • Traditional rope is often made from the strong fibers of the purau tree.

  • In village gardens, the purau is prized for its large yellow flowers and dense foliage.

Synonyms

Hibiscus tiliaceus
vspurau
  • Specialized
9.9

A small tree that grows by tropical coasts with yellow flowers and strong fibers used for ropes

is the general description noting light wood and strong fiber without specific uses
balibago
vspurau
  • Philippine
9.9

A small tropical tree with yellow flowers that grows by the sea and has strong wood and fibrous bark

focuses on material value rather than noting its widespread local use

Surface Forms

purau singular
puraus plural

Etymology

Purau comes from Pacific island languages where this coastal tree is common and is the local name for the same plant English calls the 'beach hibiscus'. A helpful way to remember it is that island people used the tree's light wood and strong fibres for canoes and rope, so purau today means that useful coastal tree.