Tephrosia purpurea -- 'Auhuhu, or fish poison plant
Tephrosia purpurea -- 'Auhuhu, or fish poison plant
This plant contains a mild toxin called tephrosin which chemically stuns fish but does not effect mammals. The extract was obtained by crushing the whole plant by mortar and pestle, or rocks, and then scattering it in tide pools. In a few minutes, small fish would float up to the surface and could be caught by hand. The flesh from the fish is safe to eat. This system of fishing, good for older people and children, was called hola. Photos by Priscilla Millen.
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