Kohekohe
Botanical name: Didymocheton spectabilis
Synonyms: Trichilia spectabilis, Hartighsea spectabilis, Dysoxylum spectabile
Common name(s): Kohekohe, New Zealand Mahogany
About:
Kohekohe is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive broadleaf trees, recognised for its large, glossy compound leaves and unusual habit of producing flowers and fruit directly from its trunk and main branches. A close relative of true mahogany, it is a characteristic tree of warm coastal forests and is especially spectacular when covered in fragrant white flowers during autumn. Although widespread, natural regeneration is heavily affected in many areas by browsing possums and seed-eating rats.
Natural habitat:
A common to dominant canopy tree of warm coastal and lowland forests, often forming a significant part of mature broadleaf forest.
Growing environment:
Prefers sheltered, frost-free locations with fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Thrives in partial shade when young and full sun once established. Intolerant of hard frosts and prolonged cold.
Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Widespread throughout the North Island and extending into the northern South Island as far south as the Hurunui River, particularly in the Marlborough Sounds.
Height:
Up to 15 m
Width:
8–12 m
Flowering:
March–June
Fruiting:
April–August
Uses:
• Feature tree for large native gardens
• Coastal and lowland forest restoration
• Wildlife food source
• Traditional Māori medicinal uses
• Ornamental specimen
• Valuable habitat tree
Appearance:
Growth habit:
A medium-sized evergreen canopy tree with a broad, spreading crown and stout branches.
Trunk and bark:
Trunk up to 1 metre in diameter with pale brown bark and a green layer beneath the outer bark. Older trees commonly produce large flowering panicles directly from the trunk and main branches.
Leaves:
Large, glossy, leathery compound leaves with 4–6 opposite pairs of leaflets and a single terminal leaflet. The swollen base where the leaf joins the twig is a distinctive identifying feature.
Flowers:
Highly fragrant waxy white to greenish-white flowers about 3 cm across, carried in long drooping clusters emerging directly from the trunk and older branches (cauliflory). Individual trees are usually either female or functionally male.
Fruit:
Rounded woody green capsules that mature to reveal bright orange to scarlet aril-covered seeds, which are highly attractive to native birds.
Ecology:
Kohekohe flowers provide an important nectar source for native insects and birds during autumn when relatively few other forest trees are in bloom. The brightly coloured seeds are dispersed by fruit-eating birds. Possums heavily browse foliage and flowers, while rats consume large numbers of seeds, greatly reducing natural regeneration where pest control is absent.
Associated habitats:
Coastal broadleaf forest, lowland podocarp-broadleaf forest, warm gullies, sheltered river terraces and maritime forest.
How to grow:
Plant in a warm, sheltered position protected from frost. Young trees appreciate partial shade and regular moisture while establishing. Once established, kohekohe grows steadily into an impressive specimen tree and requires little maintenance.
Propagation:
Readily grown from fresh seed, which should be sown soon after collection as viability declines with storage.
Cultural use:
Kohekohe has long been valued by Māori, who prepared a tonic from the boiled bark. The soft reddish timber was also used for waka and carving. The Māori name is ancient, reflecting the tree’s long-standing cultural importance.
Garden value:
Kohekohe is an outstanding ornamental native tree for larger gardens in mild climates. Its glossy tropical-looking foliage, fragrant trunk-borne flowers and colourful fruit provide year-round interest while supporting native wildlife. It is one of New Zealand’s most distinctive and rewarding forest trees.