Botanical name:

Aristotelia serrata

Common name(s):

Makomako, Wineberry

About:

A much-branched, small deciduous tree native to New Zealand. This fast-growing and graceful tree or shrub features reddish-green leaves. In spring and summer, it produces cream to red flowers, followed by clusters of small, dark red berries that are highly attractive to native birdlife.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to montane forests. Often forming dense thickets following disturbance.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Salt resistant, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant. Will even tolerate clay based soils.

Endemic distribution:

North, South and Stewart Islands. Throughout, but less common in drier areas.

Height: 10m

Flowering:

September-December with a Red/Pink or White coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

November-January

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Forests, Pioneer Plantings  & flowers.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though.