Botanical name:

Pomaderris hamiltonii

Common name(s):

Pale-flowered kumarahou

About:

This small tree is quite similar to the well-known P. kumerabo, yet it features thinner leaves and more open flower corymbs that display a much paler colour. Typically, this tree grows to a height of about 2 to 3 meters and is commonly found on clay soils in the upper North Island region, particularly in areas such as Warkworth and Thames. For optimal growth and health, it is advisable to prune this tree in a manner similar to that of P. apetala.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland in open successional habitats and shrubland. Often found along roadside cuttings where the constant disturbance provides an ideal habitat.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island only, vicinity of Warkworth and Omaha, near Kaiaua and Miranda and on Great Barrier Island.

Height: 3m

Flowering: 

(August-) October (-November) with a cream coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

(November-) December – January

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant & Bee food & Shelter belts

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed, though this can be slow to germinate. Semi-hardwood cuttings strike with difficulty. Recent experimentation has found that cuttings strike well if placed in untreated saw dust. Once established this species often naturalises in suitable gardens. It is an attractive small tree which makes and excellent shelter belt or specimen tree. It is inclined to be short-lived and is prone to verticillium wilt.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.