Ake ake

Akeake is a Māori word meaning "poor or infertile land", but the tree name is generally thought to be derived from the phrase ake ake, which means "for ever and ever" and probably refers to the hardness of the wood. It is the heaviest of New Zealand woods, and traditionally used as hard wood for making war implements, carved walking staves, axe-handles, and weights on drill shafts.

Growing at the top of my drive, this ake ake is benefitting from some radical pruning that was done before Christmas. I love the strong shape of the leaves. That's the old Sumner Signal Station down there on the beach.

It's been a better day today for me today, and not so good for the lurgy. Hopefully I'm winning!