Ackama rosifolia

Botanical name: Ackama rosifolia

Common name(s): Makamaka

Plant facts:

An attractive fast-growing small tree endemic to Northland. Makamaka is known for its lush pinnate foliage made up of multiple toothed leaflets, soft brown hairy young growth, and sprays of cream-white flowers followed by pinkish-red seed capsules. Juvenile plants have especially elegant fern-like foliage, while mature trees develop a more robust canopy and textured trunk.

Natural habitat:

Lowland forest, forest margins, gullies and streamside habitats in northern North Island forests.

Growing environment:

Frost sensitive, Shade tolerant, Moist soil loving & Wind sheltered preferred.

Endemic distribution:

Endemic to the North Island from near Kaitaia south to just north of Wellsford.

Height:

Up to 12 m tall

Flowering:

September – November with cream to white flowers

Fruiting:

January – March

Uses:

• Native specimen tree
• Forest restoration plantings
• Stream and gully revegetation
• Attractive foliage feature
• Shelter and biodiversity plantings

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Begins as a leafy shrub before developing into a small upright forest tree with a trunk up to 60 cm in diameter.

Leaves:
Leaves are pinnate with several pairs of sharply toothed leaflets and a single terminal leaflet. Juvenile foliage is softer and more delicate, while adult leaves become thicker and leathery. Distinctive hairy domatia occur beneath the leaves where side veins meet the midrib.

Flowers:
Produces dense branched sprays of tiny cream-white flowers in spring.

Fruit:
Small pinkish to reddish hairy seed capsules follow flowering and persist with their dried sepals attached.

How to grow:

Best grown in moist fertile soil with reliable moisture and shelter from harsh dry winds. Prefers semi-shade to full sun in cooler damp conditions. Very intolerant of drought and should not be allowed to dry out during establishment. Propagates readily from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings.