Botanical name:

Clianthus maximus

Common name(s):

Kākābeak, kōwhai ngutu-kākā, kākā beak

About:

A rare species, which is commonly found in cultivation, is a small bushy shrub characterised by its attractive drooping clusters of vibrant red flowers that have sharp tips. The leaves are composed of multiple pairs of glossy green leaflets that are arranged neatly along a central stalk, creating a lush appearance. The flowers themselves are approximately 80mm in length, adding to the shrub's decorative quality. The fruit produced by this plant resembles a green pea-like pod that eventually splits open, releasing numerous hard seeds that are small and blotched in appearance.

Natural habitat:

Like the closely related C. puniceus. This species prefers early to mid successional shrub-land habitats dominated by flax (Phormium cookianum and P. tenax) and tutu (Coriaria arborea) in coastal, lowland and montane habitats. Often found along the tops and bases of unstable cliff faces or rock falls. Some habitats may not be natural, as this species, was said to have been grown by Maori, and many inland associations occur in the vicinity of former pa, kainga, gardens or canoe haul outs.

Growing environment:

Sun & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island. Formerly on Great Barrier Island. Still present in scattered populations from the East Coast of the North Island from Te Araroa south to the northern Hawkes Bay and east to the Te Urewera National Park.

Height: 2m

Flowering:

May flower throughout the year. However plants are mostly found in flower between August and January with a Black or Red/Pink coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

Seed pods may be present at any time of the year.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & container friendly.

How to grow:

Easily grown from seed, semi-hardwood cuttings, and stem layerings. Plants tend to be short-lived in cultivation (2-4 years), and benefit from hard pruning after flowering. Kaka beak is vulnerable to a range of common garden pests which include slugs and snails, it can be severely defoliated, by these animals, and young plants may be killed completely. Caterpillars, mites - which cause witches brooms, and various fungal diseases will also kill plants.

Despite its northerly distribution, kaka beak often does best in Southland, and is very tolerant of snowfall, and light frosts.

**Seed requires scarification before sowing. Hot water treatment works well for this species