Botanical name:

Pomaderris kumeraho

Common name(s):

Golden Tainui , Kumarahou

About:

A rounded shrub that is now widely cultivated for its striking beauty and visual appeal. It becomes smothered in vibrant golden yellow flowers during the spring months, creating an impressive display. This resilient plant grows well in poor soils and can thrive in exposed sites, making it adaptable to various environments. Additionally, it serves as a useful filler while more permanent plantings are being established in the garden. It is best known for its significant medicinal properties, which have been appreciated for generations. This shrub will not tolerate frosts, so it is important to consider its hardiness when planting.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland, in open, early to mid successional habitats. Often on roadside banks, and in gum-land vegetation. Occasionally seen in forested situations.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

North Island only from Te Paki to just south of the Kawhia Harbour and Te Kuiti in the west and the northern Bay of Plenty in the east.

Height: 2.5m

Flowering: 

September – October with a yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

November - January

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant & Bee food

How to grow:

Best from fresh seed which is slow to germinate. Semi-hardwood cuttings will strike but they can be slow and results variable. Best strikes have been achieved when cuttings have been placed in untreated saw dust. An attractive plant for a small garden, prefers full sun, and nutrient poor soils, resents competition, and is prone to phytophora and verticillium wilt.

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