Punga
/ˈpʊŋ.ɡə/noun
A New Zealand tree fern, especially the silver fern, or a related tree fern.
Did you know?The silver fern became a powerful national symbol of New Zealand, appearing in Māori culture, military insignia, sports, and national identity.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-European Māori
Māori
ponga
“A tree fern, especially the silver fern.”
19th Century
English
ponga
“A New Zealand tree fern, borrowed from Māori.”
19th–20th Century
English
punga
“A variant or spelling form associated with the New Zealand tree fern.”
Modern English
English
punga
“A less common English form referring to a New Zealand tree fern, more often written “ponga.””
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