Botanical name:

Corokia macrocarpa

Common name(s):

Hokataka, whakataka

About:

Found along the forest margins of the Chatham Islands, this is another resilient and tough species of corokia, with the ability to grow to a height of 2 to 4m. The lance-shaped, leathery leaves are impressive, measuring up to 8cm long, featuring a dark green upper surface that contrasts beautifully with the silvery undersides. This plant is very well-suited for dry sites, making it an excellent choice for gardens or landscapes that experience limited moisture.

Natural habitat:

Widespread from the coast to the highest points on the main islands, growing in a range of habitats including sand dunes, coastal headlands, rock outcrops (basalt, schist, limestone), lake margins and dense forest. Only absent from restiad bog, though it often grows on the fringes of these.

Growing environment:

Sun, Drought, Salt, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Chatham Islands. Found on Chatham, South East, Pitt and Mangere islands.

Height: 4m

Flowering:

November - April with a yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Throughout the year with a red/orange coloured fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Hedging.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or semi hardwood cuttings.

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