Botanical name:

Griselinia littoralis 

Common name(s):

Broadleaf, Kapuka, Papauma

About:

A small bushy tree with a rough, dark trunk supports an array of thick, glossy green, rounded leaves that are notably paler on the underside and sit atop a yellowish stem. The leaves at the base of the tree exhibit a slightly uneven appearance, adding to the unique character of the plant. The fruit produced by this tree is a deep dark purple, measuring approximately 6 to 7 mm in length, and features a small ring at the tip, with the fruits elegantly arranged in a spike formation.

Natural habitat: 

Found particularly in coastal exposed areas, as it is a hardy plant that tolerates sea breeze and wind exposure. Griselinia littoralis can survive a range of habitats and external conditions but prefers moist climates. They can also be found as an epiphyte with roots deep to the ground to absorb the water and nutrients.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Common nearly everywhere in New Zealand from sea level to 1000 metres, Griselinia is not, however, found naturally north of the Bay of Islands. It is particularly abundant in the South Island, where it often starts life as an epiphyte, growing on old fallen logs. 

Height: 7m 

Flowering:  

Late spring - mid summer with a small, yellowish or cream coloured flower/s 

Fruiting: 

Autumn to winter with a dark purple coloured fruit.

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings. 

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. Can grow in a wide range of soil types and situations and is particularly tolerant of frost and persistent wind. It will not grow so well on very infertile soils, or in prolonged drought conditions. It is useful in coastal situations (littoralis means shore growing ), and can withstand heavy pruning.

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