Mingimingi

 

Mingimingi is a Māori word meaning twisted or similar. The name is used to describe at least three different New Zealand species of plants:

 

1. Coprosma propinqua (Mingimingi), a widespread small-leaved shrub
2. Leucopogon fasciculatus (Tall Mingimingi), a forest shrub
3. Leptecophylla juniperina (Prickly mingimingi, formerly Cyathodes juniperina), a low spreading shrub

 

The three species are not closely related and are quite different in appearance, but all  produce small edible berries with a similar sweet but somewhat bland flavor. They’re among the more common Aoteroa native shrubs with edible fruit.

 

People believed that the infusion of mingimingi leaves was used for alimentary disorders. A poultice of boiled leaves is said to be excellent for baldness (Faulkner 1958). For this, boil the leaves and water for about 20 minutes. They’re also used for headache and influenza. Take a teaspoonful twice a day before a meal. Peppermint is mixed sometimes. (P. Smith 1940).