Botanical name:

Beilschmiedia tawa

Common name(s):

Tawa

About:

Tawa is a broadleaf tree prevalent in the central regions of the country. It frequently serves as the dominant canopy tree species in lowland forests on the North Island and the northeastern part of the South Island. Also, it often constitutes the sub-canopy in primary forests across these areas, positioned beneath podocarps like kahikatea, matai, miro, and rimu. Tawa features a tall, dark single trunk and thin, narrow leaves that taper gradually to the base and culminate in a pointed tip. The young leaves exhibit a yellowish hue, transitioning to a drooping, glossy appearance that is pale underneath as they mature. The tree produces flowers in yellowish sprays.

Natural habitat:

Major canopy dominant in the lowland and lower montane forests of the North Island and northern South island. May form pure stands but usually occurs in close association with podocarps such as rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum).

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Salt, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Common throughout the North Island. In the South Island common from Cape Farewell east through the Marlborough Sounds. Extending south of there only in the east where it almost reaches Kaikoura (the southern limit is just north of the main town).

Height: 30m

Flowering:

(October-) January (-May) with a yellow/green coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

(December-) January (-March) with a very large, dark purple, glossy fruit containing a large elliptical seed.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, forests & timber.

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed. Better germination is achieved if the flesh surrounding the seed is cleaned off.