Botanical name:

Elingamita johnsonii

Common name(s):

Elingamita

About:

A highly uncommon small tree that reaches a height of 3 m, featuring a spreading canopy that can extend to 5 m in width. Its large, oval leaves are a deep glossy green, providing a striking contrast against the grey bark. The flowers, which are minor in appearance, can be hermaphroditic—possessing both male and female reproductive parts—or may exist as separate male and female flowers on different individual trees. In the autumn, female or hermaphroditic trees will produce clusters of attractive, large red berries. Originating from an island habitat, this tree is resilient to wind and drought but is sensitive to frost. Its growth rate is generally slow, and it can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.

Natural habitat:

Pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) forest and coastal shrub on West island, where it is usually an under-storey shrub or small tree. Also grows in exposed places as a canopy emergent, especially on Hinemoa Rock in the Princes Group.

Growing environment:

Shade, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealands Three Kings Islands, where it is known only from West Island and two nearby rocky islets in the Princes Group.

Height: 8m

Flowering:

February - May, sometimes also August – November with a reddish pink or yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Fruit take a year to ripen so can be present at anytime

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Easy from seed - though this can take up to a year to germinate. Cuttings are slow to strike. Seedlings grow very rapidly and do best in semi-shade, though once established plants thrive in full sun. A fertile, free-draining soil is recommended. This species is predominantly dioecious, so male and female plants are needed to ensure that the attractive grape-like bunches of red fruit are produced. An excellent small specimen tree for the garden. However, very sensitive to cold and frost.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.