The Pākaiahi mushroom (Ganoderma applanatum) is a treasured taonga of Aotearoa. Traditionally respected in rongoā Māori, it has long been valued as a source of strength, resilience, and connection.
Known as the ‘firestarter,’ this revered fungus was once carried through the forest to keep embers alive, symbolising endurance, focus, and the mana of the chosen ones. Today, Pākaiahi is honoured as a tonic of vitality and balance, crafted here as a double-extracted tincture.
Suggested Use
Use as part of your daily self-care ritual to support wellbeing and connection with the ngahere.
Directions
Take 1–2 dropperfuls in water or under the tongue as needed. Store in a cool, dry place.
Cautions
Always read the label and use as directed. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescribed medication, consult your healthcare professional before use.
This product is created by Joanne Hakaraia. The rongoā was harvested locally and sustainably following tīkanga (traditional protocols).
PĀKAIAHI - Firestarter Tincture
Pākaiahi (Ganoderma applatum), Turkey Tails (Trametes versicolor), alcohol
This product, 'firestarter', embodies the journey of strength for me. I found this fungi in 2013 after seeing it on a trail in the Waitakere Ranges. I was called off the track to see something else and when I turned to get back on track I felt this presence watching me. I looked up and saw this magnificent being growing on an old rākau that was still standing. It was huge, most probably the oldest and largest I have seen to this day. I acknowledged it and promised to learn more about it and knew I would be back when I had the nod.
The next day I attended a wānanga and overheard a man talking about this mushroom. He was describing how it grows on dead trees and how powerful it is as a rongoā. I eased my way over to the kōrero and said I think I have found one. We talked more about it and he explained to me all the beneficial properties that this mushroom holds. He also gave me the kōrero of how his people would use the mushroom for light. Their forests are extremely damp so it was very important to have someone assigned to bringing the mushroom. They were fire carriers. I was given permission to harvest the mushroom and the very next day I did just that.
I went by myself first to harvest the mushroom. I couldnt get it down. It was lodged onto the tree so tightly that it would not budge. I went back again with my husband to help me and he managed to harvest it for me. I was in awe holding it. I could feel the primordial vibrations and couldn't wait to get it home.
I kept it out for about a month or longer to just be in its presence. I then placed it in storage where I could keep an eye on it. I sat with for over 2 years before I had permission to work with it. There was very little information on it so I had to 'sit' with it to really understand it. It was on the forefront of my consciousness all the time because I knew I would be guided to the right people to support me in working with it. And I was. I was shown how to make rongoā with it and as I was making the rongoā I received more information and other ways to work with it.
Working with the fungi kingdom is another level to working with the plant kingdom. It's primoridal and sacred working beyond.