Gumdiggers soap (Kumerahou) Pomaderris kumeraho
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Family: Rhamnaceae
Genus: Pomaderris
Scientific name: Pomaderris kumeraho.
Common names: Gum diggers soap, Kumerahou, Papapa, Poverty weed.
Pomaderris kumarahou is a shrub which grows up to 3m. In spring it has numerous and bright yellow flowers. Kumarahou is a medicinal plant. If the leaves and flowers are crushed and stirred in a bowl of water a functional lather and soap like product is made.
The following information was condensed from New Zealand Medicinal Plants by Booker, Cambie and Cooper. Commenting on the known usages of Kumeraho, the authors state that the leaves were decocted and the liquid taken internally for all chest complaints. bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis and asthma. It was also said that it was a good blood cleanser, with a beneficial effect on the kidneys. The authors further report that Reverend Edgar Ward (1863 - 1934), who was also a qualified pharmacist; marketed a patent remedy called 'Kuranui ' It was apparently made with Kumeraho, Koromiko and other unspecified herbs. The mixture was claimed to be a specific for tuberculosis and asthma. The authors also state that they have a personal communication from the Reverend Ward's daughter. She has spoken of the many Maori that her father cured of TB, by the use of Kumeraho.
Chemistry: The leaves and flowers of Pomaderris Kumeraho, contains the flavonols, quercetin and kaempferol, plus ellagic acid and its O-methyl ethers. The fresh leaves when crushed and rubbed in the hands with water will also produce a lather. This is due to the saponins, hence its folk name of Gum Diggers soap.
Buds mid September
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