Botanical name:

Pouteria costata

Common name(s):

Tawapou

About:

An attractive coastal tree that is native to New Zealand, this species features large, leathery, and dark green leaves that provide a lush appearance. This small tree produces delicate, tiny flowers, which are followed by striking large berries that range in colour from vibrant orange-red to deep black, making it a distinctive feature in the native bush from May to June. The fruit of this tree is particularly loved by unique bird species, such as the woodpigeon and kaka, who enjoy it as a source of nourishment. In a cultural context, polished seeds from this tree were skilfully strung together by the Maori people to create beautiful beads for necklaces. These beads are known to create a satisfying 'rattle' sound, resembling the comforting 'worry-beads' found on a rosary. It is important to note that this tree is sensitive to frost.

Natural habitat:

Strictly coastal where it is usually a minor (rarely dominant) component of coastal forest on rocky headlands and talus slopes, windswept ridge-lines, forested islands and islets. Usually associated with pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), puriri (Vitex lucens), karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus), whau (Entelea arborescens), kowhai (Sophora chathamica), tawaroa ( the northern wide-leaved form of Beilschmedia tawa) and on offshore islands such as the Three Kings, Poor Knights, Mokohinau Islands with coastal maire (Nestegis apetala), Streblus spp., and Hoheria spp.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

Norfolk Island and New Zealand where it found in the North Island only from Te Paki south to the Manukau and Coromandel Peninsula after which it occurs in scattered sites as far south as East Cape in the East and Kawhia Harbour in the west. Some of these southerly occurrences are associated with Pa sites, and as the glossy seeds were used as necklaces by Maori it is possible that this species was planted over some parts of its southern North Island range. Tawapou is common on rodent-free offshore islands in the Hauraki Gulf, around the Coromandel Peninsula, Great Barrier Island, and on the Mokohinau, Poor Knights, Hen & Chickens and Three Kings Islands.

Height: 6m

Flowering: 

September – November with a green or yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December – June with a red ripening to almost black fruit, enclosing 2-4 hard narrow shiny seeds.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging & Forests.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, Difficult from cuttings. A frost tender species that makes an excellent specimen tree for northern New Zealand parks and large gardens, and is ideal for planting in street avenues. Can be a little slow to establish in some sites but once it is established it is moderately fast growing, drought tolerant and has a pleasing growth habit. Tawapou can also be used as a hedge - though this spoils its attractive form.

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