Tawa

Botanical name: Beilschmiedia tawa
Synonyms: Laurus tawa, Nesodaphne tawa, Laurus victoriana, Beilschmiedia tawaroa
Common name(s): Tawa

About:
A tall evergreen canopy tree endemic to New Zealand and one of the dominant broadleaf forest trees of the North Island and northern South Island. Tawa belongs to the laurel family and is known for its elegant willow-like foliage and large purple fruit.

Natural habitat:
Lowland and lower montane podocarp–broadleaf forest. Frequently forms extensive stands or grows beneath emergent podocarps such as rimu, mataī, miro, and kahikatea.

Growing environment:
Warm humid forests, Fertile well-drained soils, Sheltered valleys and hillsides, Lowland to lower montane forest.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Common throughout the North Island and northern South Island from Cape Farewell through Marlborough, extending south nearly to Kaikōura.

Height:
Up to 35 m tall

Width:
Large broad canopy

Flowering:
October–May, peak flowering in January

Fruiting:
December–March

Uses:

• Native forest restoration
• Shade and specimen tree
• Wildlife food source
• Traditional Māori food plant
• Timber and flooring
• Cultural and historical uses

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A tall straight-trunked evergreen tree with a dense rounded canopy and buttressed base on mature specimens.

Bark:
Smooth and dark brown.

Leaves:
Long narrow glossy green leaves with pale glaucous undersides and gently undulating margins. Young foliage is yellow-green and softly hairy.

Flowers:
Small pale green flowers borne in upright branching sprays from the leaf axils.

Fruit:
Large dark purple plum-like drupes hanging beneath the foliage, each containing a single hard seed.

Ecology:
Tawa fruit are primarily dispersed by kererū and, historically, kōkako. Mature trees often support rich epiphyte communities within their canopy.

Associated habitats:
Commonly associated with rimu, miro, mataī, kahikatea, hīnau, kohekohe, and northern broadleaf forest species.

How to grow:
Prefers fertile moist free-draining soils in sheltered conditions. Best suited to mild climates with regular rainfall. Young trees benefit from protection from frost and wind.

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

Timber:
Produces pale durable timber formerly used for flooring, furniture, paddles, clubs, shingles, and tools. The wood burns well and splits easily.

Cultural significance:
Tawa berries were an important traditional Māori food source. The kernels were steamed, dried, stored, and later softened before eating. Tawa wood was used for bird spears, paddles, adze handles, and building materials. The species appears prominently in whakataukī and traditional knowledge.

Garden value:
An elegant fast-growing native tree ideal for large gardens, parks, and restoration projects. Its graceful foliage and attractive purple fruit give it a refined subtropical appearance.