One of the most sustainable woods in the world. One of the rarest woods in the world. One of the hardest woods in the world.
Nestled in the pristine landscapes of New Zealand, the hardy and versatile Mānuka tree stands as a symbol of natural resilience and purity. This remarkable plant, native to New Zealand, blooms with delicate white and pink flowers, creating a stunning display across the countryside.
For centuries, Māori have revered the Mānuka tree for its staggering amount of uses, calling it a taonga or treasure; from food to traditional medicinal uses, and various types of tools and artefacts made from the hard wood.
Infusions made with the tree's leaves were used to treat wounds, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health. The leaves, bark, and oil of the Mānuka tree were traditionally used in remedies for a range of ailments, showcasing the tree’s versatility and importance in natural medicine.
Typically one's first association with Mānuka - the special honey produced from the nectar of the flowers of the Mānuka tree. Renowned for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is a popular remedy for various health issues like wound care, sore throats and digestive health.
Medical grade Mānuka honey is used by hospitals around the world to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Mānuka oil, extracted from the leaves, is known for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This essential oil is used in a variety of skincare products to help soothe and heal the skin. Its natural antiseptic qualities make it a valuable addition to first aid kits and natural health remedies.
Mānuka wood is highly prized for its unique properties that make it ideal for smoking food, especially fish. Known for its sweet, aromatic and slightly earthy flavour, it imparts a distinctive taste to culinary creations. The wood burns cleanly with minimal ash making it a perfect choice for fuelling wood-fired pizza ovens and smokers.
Commercially managed Mānuka plantations are increasing in popularity, ensuring sustainable and consistent supplies for the essential oil and honey industries.
Mānuka plays a crucial role in New Zealand's ecosystems. It is a pioneer plant, colonizing disturbed areas and creating conditions for other native species to follow. Tough and versatile, it thrives from coastlines to high altitudes. Once established, it is even drought-tolerant.
Mānuka produces an enormous amount of seeds; grows, matures and reproduces quickly.
This makes Mānuka a sustainable plant. Some initiatives turned commercial land into Mānuka plantations for carbon capture, while others preserve natural habitats to maintain biodiversity and ecological balance for future generations.
Mānuka has gained international recognition for its unique properties and benefits. Whether used in traditional medicine, modern skincare, or simply admired for its beauty, the Mānuka tree offers a glimpse into New Zealand’s rich natural heritage. Its resilience and healing properties make it a true treasure of the natural world.
Being a resilient pioneer plant that produces countless seeds, Mānuka is one of the first plants to grow after land has been cleared. Within a few years Mānuka establishes if left undisturbed. Land often needs to be cleared of Mānuka for human or other industrial and commercial activities. Being generally clear-felled and destined to be discarded. Our intervention gives a new direction to this otherwise wasted resource.
We harvest and craft this unwanted by-product into Bonno Chews by hand with care.
We’re proud to support projects in the Kerikeri area through Trees That Count, with ongoing donations based on every Bonno chew sold. Over time, you’ll be able to see the impact we’re making together, as we’ll share an overview from Trees That Count showing our contributions and the projects we’ve supported. Managed by the Project Crimson Trust, a charity that’s been leading community restoration in New Zealand since 1990, Trees That Count is helping us give back to our beautiful environment.
