Mānuka A4 Print

Mānuka – Leptospermum scoparium

 

Mānuka is a hardy native shrub known for its small white flowers and resilience across Aotearoa’s landscapes. In traditional dyeing, the leaves and bark are used as a waiwai (mordant), helping other natural dyes bind to fibres more strongly and last longer. This makes mānuka an important support in producing enduring colours for woven works in Māori fibre arts.

 

This A4 print highlights mānuka’s role as a waiwai in natural dyeing and its contribution to the preservation of traditional Māori weaving.

 

Text on print reads: 

Scientific Name: Leptospermum scoparium

Common Name: Mānuka, Kahikātoa

Use: The leaves, bark and stems are boiled to create a dye or waiwai to help other dyes adhere to fibres.

Date collected: 09/07/2025

Location: Tauranga, NZ

Collection No. 7

The Fibre Room"