Hokataka

Botanical name: Corokia macrocarpa
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Hokataka, Whakataka, Chatham Island korokio

About:
Hokataka is a large shrub or small tree endemic to the Chatham Islands, where it is one of the most widespread and adaptable woody plants. Unlike the smaller mainland korokio species, it develops into a substantial shrub or tree with ascending branches, large leathery leaves and striking orange fruit. It thrives in some of the harshest environments of the Chatham Islands, from exposed coastal cliffs to dense inland forest, making it one of the islands’ most important native shrubs.

Natural habitat:
Coastal headlands, sand dunes, lake margins, rocky outcrops, shrublands and forest margins from sea level to the highest elevations of the Chatham Islands.

Growing environment:
Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. Tolerates strong winds, salt-laden air, coastal exposure, drought and poor soils. Performs well in sandy, rocky or fertile soils.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to the Chatham Islands. Found naturally on Chatham Island, Pitt Island, South East Island and Mangere Island.

Height:
3–8 m

Width:
2–5 m

Flowering:
November–April

Fruiting:
Throughout the year, with peak fruit production during autumn and winter.

Uses:
• Coastal shelter planting
• Native revegetation projects
• Wildlife habitat restoration
• Feature tree for gardens
• Screening and shelter belts
• Coastal erosion control
• Chatham Islands restoration plantings

Appearance:
Growth habit:
A much-branched shrub or small tree with ascending branches and rough charcoal-grey bark. Young branchlets are covered with fine whitish hairs and gradually become woody with age.

Leaves:
Leaves are leathery and alternate, measuring 4–8 cm long and 1.5–3.5 cm wide, although shaded plants may produce much larger leaves. They are obovate to elliptic with a small pointed tip, dark green above and densely covered beneath with silvery-white hairs that give the foliage a pale appearance.

Flowers:
The flowers are bright yellow and star-shaped with distinctive orange-yellow centres. They are borne in small clusters of four to eight flowers along the stems and are highly attractive to pollinating insects.

Fruit:
Fruit are relatively large for the genus, measuring 10–12 mm across and ripening from yellow through orange to dark orange-red. The fleshy fruit often persists on the plant for extended periods and provides food for native birds.

Ecology:
The flowers attract native insects and pollinators while the fleshy fruit is eaten and dispersed by birds. Hokataka is an important component of Chatham Islands ecosystems and is one of the few woody species capable of thriving across such a broad range of habitats on the islands.

Associated habitats:
Sand dunes, coastal cliffs, basalt outcrops, limestone bluffs, lake margins, shrublands, forest edges and coastal forest.

How to grow:
Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Hokataka tolerates coastal conditions exceptionally well and requires little maintenance once established. It benefits from occasional pruning to maintain shape in smaller gardens.

Propagation:
Readily propagated from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. Seed germinates reliably and cuttings strike well when taken during active growth periods.

Cultural use:
Hokataka is an important indigenous plant of the Chatham Islands and contributes significantly to the character and biodiversity of the islands’ unique flora.

Garden value:
An outstanding coastal shrub or small tree valued for its silvery foliage, yellow flowers and colourful fruit. Its adaptability, toughness and architectural form make it an excellent choice for coastal gardens and native landscapes.