Botanical name:

Pseudopanax laetus

Common name(s):

Five Finger

About:

An attractive and visually appealing shrub or small tree, featuring large, lush foliate leaves that exhibit characteristic purple and red midribs and stems. This plant is widely cultivated throughout New Zealand for its distinct tropical appearance, adding a vibrant touch to gardens and landscapes. The fruit, which typically appears from February to May, not only enhances its visual charm but also serves as an important food source for various bird species, attracting them to the area.

Natural habitat:

Montane forest.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade & Wind tolerant

Endemic distribution:

Endemic to the northern part of New Zealand’s North Island from Coromandel to inland Gisborne and Taranaki.

Height: 4m

Flowering: 

(August)-September to November

Fruiting:

February - May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant & Bee food.

How to grow:

Very easy from fresh seed. Can be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings. Very fast growing and tolerant of a wide range of soil types and moisture regimes but dislikes very dry soils. Best in damp soils.

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