NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Tane Mahuta

The tree's Maori name means "Lord of the Forest", and is the name of a god in the Maori pantheon, is the tallest and most massive kauri known to stand today.

It is 51 metres (169 feet) in height, and has a circumference of 13.8 metres (45 feet). There is no proof of the tree’s age, but it is estimated to be between 1250 and 2500 years old.

The tree is a remnant of the ancient subtropical rain forest that once grew on the North Auckland Peninsula. Other giant kauri stand nearby, notably Te Matua Ngahere.

Categories: Stub | Northland, New Zealand | Trees of New Zealand

Results from FactBites:

Tane Mahuta (369 words)
	Tane is a truly breathtaking sight, and is of approximate age 1250 years.
	Tane's wisdom prevailed, and in turn each of the children struggled mightily to prise the Sky from the Earth.
	Finally it was Tane Mahuta who by thrusting with his mighty feet gradually lifted the anguished Rangi away from the agonised Papa.

Tane (112 words)
	In Polynesian mythology, Tane is the god of trees and light, and the first son of Rangi and Papa.
	Escaping to Earth, Tane became very hungry and ate a man, becoming the first cannibal.
	Upon discovering that she had married her father, Hine-nui-te-Po fled to the underworld, and began ruling there as queen.

More results at FactBites »

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