A New Zealand tree (Dodonaea viscosa) with small green flowers and distinctive papery winged seed pods, often used as an ornamental and windbreak plant.
From Māori ākěākě, the indigenous New Zealand name for this plant that has been in use for centuries in the Pacific. The Māori word is onomatopoetic, possibly imitating the rattling of its seed pods.
The akeake's seeds have wings like tiny helicopters that spin and travel on the wind—Māori people used this tough plant as living fences because it could survive harsh coastal conditions!
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