Korokio

Botanical name: Corokia buddleioides
Synonyms: Corokia buddleioides var. linearis
Common name(s): Korokio

About:
Korokio is a much-branched shrub endemic to the northern North Island of New Zealand. Unlike the divaricating habit of its close relative Corokia cotoneaster, this species forms a more upright and leafy shrub with slender branches and glossy lance-shaped leaves that are densely covered in silvery hairs beneath. The bright yellow flowers and red to black fruit make it an attractive species for both wildlife and gardens.

Natural habitat:
Coastal to lowland forest, forest margins, shrublands and regenerating habitats.

Growing environment:
Prefers full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils. Tolerates coastal exposure, moderate drought, wind and a range of soil types once established.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found naturally in the North Island from North Cape south to scattered populations near New Plymouth and the Central Volcanic Plateau, largely absent east of the Bay of Plenty.

Height:
2–4 m

Width:
1.5–3 m

Flowering:
October–December

Fruiting:
November–April

Uses:
• Native shelter planting
• Coastal and lowland revegetation
• Wildlife habitat plantings
• Ornamental screening shrub
• Food source for native birds
• Suitable for mixed native hedges

Appearance:
Growth habit:
A much-branched upright shrub or small tree with slender non-divaricating branches and dark rough bark. Older plants can form dense bushy specimens with an attractive layered appearance.

Leaves:
Leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and are leathery, narrow-lanceolate to broad-lanceolate in shape, measuring 5–15 cm long and 1–3 cm wide. The upper surface is glossy olive-green while the underside is densely covered in silvery-white hairs.

Flowers:
Small but attractive yellow flowers are produced in short terminal and axillary panicles up to 5 cm long. Individual flowers are approximately 7–10 mm across and appear in spring and early summer.

Fruit:
The fruit is a fleshy drupe approximately 6–7 mm long which ripens from bright red through dark red to almost black. The fruit is readily eaten by birds.

Ecology:
The fleshy fruit is dispersed by birds and other frugivorous animals. Korokio commonly occurs in regenerating forest and forest margins where it contributes to habitat diversity and provides food for native wildlife.

Associated habitats:
Coastal forest, lowland forest, forest margins, shrublands and regenerating secondary vegetation.

How to grow:
Plant in full sun or light shade in well-drained soil. Korokio is relatively hardy and responds well to pruning, making it suitable for hedging or screening. Young plants benefit from protection from severe frost.

Propagation:
Readily propagated from fresh seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seed germinates reliably after cleaning and sowing

while cuttings strike readily under mist propagation.

Cultural use:
Korokio forms part of northern New Zealand forest ecosystems and contributes food resources for native birds through its fleshy fruit.

Garden value:
An attractive native shrub with glossy foliage, silvery undersides, bright yellow flowers and colourful fruit. It is an excellent choice for native gardens, screening and ecological restoration projects in warmer regions of New Zealand.