Primary industries

Māori have known about the medicinal properties of native trees and plants for centuries. As modern science verifies the values of these properties, products from native trees have become global commodities.

Research is ongoing. Consumers are willing to pay extra for natural products with low environmental impacts. Growing native trees for primary industries appears to be good for local ecosystems and for the economy.

Exotic trees form a major part of our horticulture exports. New Zealand research plays a significant role in the development of new fruit varieties.

Native trees

Related articles

• Honey to heal – introduction

• Honeybees and Mānuka trees

• Mānuka plantations research for medical-grade honey

• From bees to bandages

• Mānuka – a natural weedkiller?

• Distilling oils and hydrosols

Exotic trees

Related articles

• Breeding red-fleshed apples – introduction

• Avocado pollination

Related media

• Assessing apple attributes – interactive

Image: cloud9works, 123RF Ltd