Botanical name:

Pisonia brunoniana

Common name(s):

Parapara, bird-catcher tree

About:

This tree grows on the Three Kings Islands and the upper North Island, up to East Cape. It reaches 3-8m tall and has a tropical look with large, shiny dark green leaves that can be 40cm long. The small flowers produce long, sticky seedpods that can stick to clothes and hair, and may trap small birds, which is why many people avoid planting it. However, removing the seed heads before they ripen can prevent issues. Its lush appearance makes it suitable for tropical gardens, thriving in semi-shade but is sensitive to frost. It also can work well in containers.

Natural habitat:

Coastal forest. Now mainly found on rodent-free offshore islands where it can be a very important component of the understory of mixed-broadleaf forest.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Kermadecs (Raoul), Three Kings, North Island (mainly offshore islands) but known on the mainland in scattered locations from the Whangape Harbour to Mangawhai. Historical records show it was around Auckland, on the Coromandel Peninsula and at East Cape. Also present in the wider Pacific 

Height: 8m

Flowering: 

August - December with a green to white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

August - July with a green to black fruit

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings, Forests & Containers

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed, tolerant of a wide range of soils types and moisture levels. In suitable conditions seedlings often appear under planted trees. Rather cold sensitive and best grown in the warmer northern parts of NZ. It usually grows in sheltered coastal forest as an understory plant it is quite tolerant of exposed sunny conditions, and can make an interesting specimen tree. The large leaves and quick growth have made it quite popular with people looking for a tropical effect. The pale cream flowers are pleasantly and strongly scented at night. The sticky fruits can be a problem, and sometimes small birds get caught in them. It is best to remove these if you want to avoid the occasional bird capture.

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