Botanical name:

Griselinia lucida 

Common name(s):

Puka, Akapuka

About:

These trees can reach heights of 10 to 15 m. They have rough, short branches that can extend up to 15 cm in diameter. The shape of the apical leaf varies from broad-ovate to ovate-oblong or rounded, featuring smooth margins. The yellow-green leaves are thick and glossy, measuring between 5 to 12 cm in length and 4 to 5 cm in width; typically, one edge at the base is slightly longer than the opposite edge—a distinctive trait. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem.

Natural habitat: 

Can be found everywhere from lowland to high hills or forest or shrub land. It is more common in the South Island than the North Island. In the North Island, it grows at higher altitudes than in the South Island. 

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Shade, Wind, Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Throughout the North Island, and in the South Island to North Canterbury in the east and South Westland.

Height: 15m 

Flowering: 

The greenish flowers are quite small and are borne on slim twigs from late spring to mid-summer.  

Fruiting:

The dark purple or black berries can be 6-7 mm long and appear in mid-summer, ripening from autumn to winter.  

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Riparian plantings, Forests, Pioneer Plantings & Shelter belts, timber 

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

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