Botanical name:

Carpodetus serratus

Common name(s):

Marbleleaf, Putaputaweta

About:

A small tree commonly cultivated for its ornamental characteristics. It boasts glossy, green, marbled leaves and produces elegant white flowers from November to March. After flowering, it yields purple fruit that turns black, along with nectar available from September. This shrub has a low tolerance for wind and drought; however, it serves well as a secondary coloniser. It is also a favoured shelter for the endangered native wētā (Orthoptera), which is reflected in the Māori name meaning “many wētā emerge.” This refers to the nocturnal wētā that inhabit the trunk holes created by Pūriri moth caterpillars.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane (10-1000m). Moist broadleaf forest, locally common in beech forest. A frequent component of secondary forest. Stream sides and forest margins.

Growing environment:

Shade, Salt & frost tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Widespread throughout New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands.

Height: 10m

Flowering:

November-March with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January-February with purple fruit turning black

** Dried fruit present at any time

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant & Bee food.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed & soft wood cuttings, though can be slow to strike.

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