Kaurajauhoa

Kaurajauhoa, or kauri gum, is a natural resin produced by the kauri tree (*Agathis australis*), an ancient conifer native to New Zealand. The resin forms when the tree is damaged, such as by insects, wind, or human activity. Over time, it hardens into a translucent, amber-like substance, often found as small droplets or larger masses embedded in the bark or soil.

Kauri gum has been used by Māori, New Zealand’s Indigenous people, for various purposes. Historically, it served as a medicinal adhesive, a waterproofing agent for canoes, and a component in traditional carvings and tools. Its sticky properties made it useful for sealing containers or repairing objects. Beyond practical uses, kauri gum was sometimes employed in ceremonial contexts, though its role varied by region and tribe.

Today, kauri gum is primarily valued for its historical and archaeological significance. Due to its slow decomposition rate, it is frequently preserved in peat bogs and riverbeds, providing insights into past environments and human activity. Fossilized kauri gum, known as "kauri amber," is occasionally found and collected by enthusiasts, though it is protected under New Zealand’s heritage laws to prevent overharvesting.

Chemically, kauri gum consists mainly of diterpenes, particularly kaurene and its derivatives, which contribute to its adhesive and water-resistant qualities. While not widely used commercially today, it remains a subject of scientific interest for its unique properties and ecological role in New Zealand’s ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on protecting mature kauri trees, as their declining populations are threatened by pests like the kauri dieback disease.