Taraire

Botanical name: Beilschmiedia tarairi
Synonyms: Laurus tarairi, Nesodaphne tarairi
Common name(s): Taraire

About:
A large broadleaf canopy tree endemic to the northern North Island. Taraire is one of New Zealand’s few native members of the laurel family and has a distinctly subtropical appearance.

Natural habitat:
Lowland and lower montane broadleaf forest, especially on fertile volcanic and basaltic soils. Frequently associated with kauri, pōhutukawa, pūriri, and other northern broadleaf forest species.

Growing environment:
Warm humid climates, Fertile well-drained soils, Sheltered forest environments, Lowland to lower montane forest.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to the North Island from North Cape south to Raglan and East Cape, most abundant north of Auckland and Thames.

Height:
Up to 22 m tall

Width:
Broad spreading canopy

Flowering:
September–December

Fruiting:
March–November

Uses:

• Shade tree
• Native forest restoration
• Wildlife food source
• Ornamental subtropical tree
• Furniture & timber uses

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A tall evergreen tree with a broad dense crown and stout spreading branches.

Bark:
Smooth and dark brown on mature trees.

Leaves:
Large leathery dark green leaves with distinctive depressed veins and pale glaucous undersides. Young growth is covered in reddish-brown hairs.

Flowers:
Small greenish-brown flowers produced in upright branching clusters from the leaf axils.

Fruit:
Large glossy dark purple drupes held upright on the branches. Each fruit contains a single large seed.

Ecology:
An important canopy species of northern forests and a major food source for kererū, which are the primary seed dispersers of taraire.

Associated habitats:
Commonly grows with kauri, pōhutukawa, pūriri, tawāpou, and tawa in warm northern broadleaf forests.

How to grow:
Best grown in fertile free-draining soil in warm frost-free or near frost-free areas. Young trees prefer shelter and consistent moisture.

Propagation:
Easily grown from fresh seed. Germination improves when the fleshy fruit coating is removed before sowing.

Timber:
Produces light brown timber with a fine finish, used for flooring, furniture, mouldings, turnery, and interior joinery.

Cultural significance:
The large fruits were traditionally eaten by Māori after roasting or boiling the kernel. Taraire forests remain a defining feature of northern North Island ecosystems.

Garden value:
A handsome subtropical native tree valued for its lush glossy foliage, broad crown, and ornamental purple fruit. Excellent for large gardens, parks, and native forest restoration plantings.