A kind of reedmace (bulrush), Typha orientalis (family Typhaceae), formerly used by Maori as a building material, for thatch, etc. Frequently attributive Also in elliptical use (now historical): a hut built of, or thatched with, this plant.
Origin
Early 19th century. From Maori raupō.
Definition of raupo in US English:
raupo
nounˈraʊpəʊ
NZ
A kind of reedmace (bulrush), Typha orientalis (family Typhaceae), formerly used by Maori as a building material, for thatch, etc. Frequently attributive Also in elliptical use (now historical): a hut built of, or thatched with, this plant.