Botanical name:

Pseudopanax chathamicus

Common name(s):

Hoho, Chatham Island lancewood

About:

Naturally confined to the Chatham Islands, this unique tree bears a striking resemblance to P. crassifolius. The juvenile leaves are typically up to 30cm long and 5cm wide, displaying shallow serrations along their edges. These youthful leaves are held in an upright to spreading position, creating an attractive appearance. As the tree matures, adult leaves become shorter and broader, showcasing a rich dark green colour on their upper surfaces while appearing paler beneath. It ultimately grows into a bushy-topped tree that can reach about 7m in height, adding significant character to its native habitat.

Natural habitat:

A tree species found in most Chatham Island forests, more common in coastal forest where the soil is moist for much of the year. Hoho often occurs in gullies or on gentle slopes, with karamu and matipo.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Coastal & Wind tolerant

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Chatham Islands

Height: 7m

Flowering: 

October - May with a coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

November – September

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant & Bee food, Forests & Riparian Plantings

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed. Can be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings, though these can be slow to strike. An excellent small tree, which prefers full sun, and should be planted in a deep, damp, fertile soil.

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