Botanical name:

Alseuosmia macrophylla

Common name(s):

Toropapa, karapapa

About:

This Alseuosmia species is the most striking, featuring the largest flowers of the genus. It grows into a shrub reaching 2–3m, with red-brown branches and dark green foliage. The highly scented, tubular flowers measure 2.5–4cm in length and range in colour from dark red to cream. Known as toropapa, it naturally thrives in forest undergrowth from North Cape to the upper South Island.

Natural habitat:

Lowland forests

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland, Coastal, Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout New Zealand’s North Island but absent from the central volcanic plateau where it is replaced by A. turneri. In the South Island located in North-West Nelson only.

Height: 3m

Flowering:

Spring/summer with a variable cream to dark red coloured flower/s

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Can be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings though these strike with varying degrees of success. Seed is often hard to germinate. Will layers readily. Prefers a semi-shaded site in a cool place with permanently damp soil. Slow growing and prone to sudden collapse during dry spells.