Botanical name:

Ascarina lucida

Common name(s):

Hutu

About:

A small, bushy tree found thriving in wetter forests. Its glossy, yellow-green leaves feature coarse, black-tipped teeth along the margins. Delicate pinkish flowers appear in sprays.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. A forest species which is most common in the wetter lowland and coastal forest of North-west Nelson and Westland. Elsewhere it is mostly uncommon, sporadic and often absent over large parts of its range.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wetland & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and South Islands. From Kaitaia south to Wellington, mostly in the west , and only common in the Coromandel Ranges. Abundant also in North-west Nelson and Westland in the South Island.

Height: 6m

Flowering:

August – December with a green, white or pinkish coloured flowers.

Fruiting: January – May with small, white fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests.

How to grow:

Very easy from fresh seed and cuttings. Rather cold sensitive and prefers moist soils, doing best in a sunny, sheltered situation.

 ** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.