Botanical name:

Parsonsia heterophylla

Common name(s):

Kaiku, Kaiwhiria, New Zealand Jasmine

About:

Kaiku is a fascinating woody vine that grows tall and climbs high, adorned with sweet-scented blooms that are quite pleasing to the senses. The highly variable form of its leaves during the prolonged juvenile phase can make identification quite challenging for those who are inexperienced in recognising this plant. Additionally, its narrow capsules, which contain plumed seeds, serve as a distinctive and noteworthy feature that helps in distinguishing it from other similar species.

Natural habitat:

Found in lowland and montane open forest & forest margins.

Growing environment:

Shade tolerant & easily grown.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings, North, South & Stewart Islands.

Height: 10m

Flowering:

Profusely in spring and then more intermittently through summer and autumn with a creamy white  coloured flower/s

Uses:

Bee food, Flowers & Flowers.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

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