Botanical name:

Hedycarya arborea

Common name(s):

Pigeonwood, porokaiwhiri

About:

Pigeonwood is a common small tree is characterised by its leaves, which are a deep, dark green and possess a glossy sheen. These oval-shaped leaves feature distinct toothed margins and typically grow in pairs on short stalks, emerging from a flattened section of the tree’s dark twigs. The flowers of this tree are simple in design, green in colour, and measure approximately 1 cm in width, arranged in small and delicate sprays that enhance the tree's overall beauty. The fruit produced by this tree is a vibrant orange hue, oval in shape, and roughly 1 cm long. This fruit is particularly prized and avidly sought after by the Kereru (Hemiphaga novaezelandiae), which is why the tree is commonly referred to as “pigeonwood.”

Natural habitat:

A commonly found forest tree of coastal and lowland forest, extending into montane areas in the warmer parts of the North Island

Growing environment:

Shade, Salt, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Three Kings, North and South Islands. In the South island uncommon in the east south of Kaikoura reaching its southern limit on that coastline on Banks Peninsula, its more ranging in the west reaching northern Fiordland at least.

Height: 12m

Flowering:

December – February with a cream or white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

March - June with an orange coloured berry

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. A quick growing tree ideal for the warmer parts of the country (though once established it will tolerate a reasonable amount of cold).

** Soak seed in cold water for 24 to 48 hours prior to sowing.