Also kuraka. [Maori.] The bow-tree of New Zealand, Corynocarpus lævigata (N. O. Anacardiaceæ). Also attrib., as karaka-berry, fruit, -leaf, -nut, -tree.
The fruit has an edible pulp and poisonous kernel, which however may be eaten after being roasted and steeped in a running stream of water for a considerable length of time.
1845. E. J. Wakefield, Adv. New Zeal., I. 233 (Morris). The karaka-tree much resembles the laurel in its growth and foliage.
1859. A. S. Thomson, Story N. Zealand, 157 (ibid.). The karaka fruit is about the size of an acorn.
1833. Renwick, Betrayed, 35. Bring the heavy Karaka leaf.
Hence Karakin Chem. [-IN1], a substance extracted from karaka-nuts by the process of washing.
1875. Watts, Dict. Chem., 2nd Suppl. 710. The bitter substance, karakin,… crystallises in beautiful radiate needles.
