Botanical name:

Meryta sinclairii

Common name(s):

Puka, pukanui

About:

One of New Zealand's most unusual and distinctive looking native trees, it truly stands out in any landscape. This remarkable plant has a distinctly tropical appearance, featuring erect, paddle-shaped leaves that can reach impressive lengths of up to 50 cm and widths of about 20 cm. These leaves showcase a rich, glossy green colour, accented by prominent veining and wavy margins that add to the tree's unique aesthetic. When situated in a sheltered position, it tends to grow into a small, mushroom-shaped tree, yet it has also demonstrated a remarkable ability to endure coastal and windy conditions. This makes it an excellent specimen plant that can be successfully grown in planters or pots. However, it is important to note that it is frost tender, requiring protection in colder climates.

Natural habitat:

Coastal forest, grassland and scrub. With the exception of the taller kanuka (Kunzea ericoides ) dominated forest of Great island, Meryta is the dominant tree species on the Three Kings Islands.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings Islands. It is probably planted on the Hen and Chicken islands near Whangarei.

Height: 8m

Flowering: 

August – April with a green coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

Throughout the year with purple coloured fruit that form in clusters at tip of branches under the leaves.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Container friendly & Flowers.

How to grow:

An extremely attractive and popular tree widely cultivated in northern New Zealand. Easily grown from fresh seed which often germinates beneath the parent tree. However, prone to phytophora and verticillium wilt for which there is no available treatment. Best grown in a coastal situation, in free draining soil.

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