Botanical name:

Melicytus obovatus

Common name(s):

About:

A coastal plant native to the North Island and the upper region of the South Island, it typically grows to a height of about 1 to 1.5 m. This plant features oblong, leathery leaves that may seem rather ordinary in appearance; however, it serves as a valuable addition to coastal situations and environments. In the autumn months, the female plants produce clusters of blue-black berries that emerge prominently along the stems, adding subtle interest to the landscape.

Natural habitat:

A coastal shrub that is confined to coastal habitats 

Growing environment:

Sun, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Central New Zealand’s Cook Strait area. In North Island is restricted to the Wellington region where it occurs from Kapiti Island in the west to the Wairarapa coast in the east, and in the South Island, it occurs throughout the Marlborough Sounds

Height: 1.5m

Flowering: 

Spring with a yellowish coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Autumn with a blueish black fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bees food, Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh and semi-hardwood cuttings.

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