Botanical name:

Pseudowintera axillaris

Common name(s):

Lowland horopito, lowland pepper tree

About:

A shrub or small tree, typically found in dense forests throughout most of the North Island, and extending into the South Island down to Westport in the west and Banks Peninsula in the east. It is notably less common than P. colorata. In its natural habitat, it can grow up to about 8m in height, but when cultivated in gardens, it typically reaches a more manageable height of around 3m. The leaves are characterised by a dark green hue on their upper sides, with glaucous undertones visible on their undersides. This plant is best grown in semi-shade or fully shaded areas, thriving in good soil, making it an excellent choice for planting beneath existing vegetation.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to montane forest. From near sea level.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Scarce north of Auckland, extending to near Westport on the west of the South Island

Height: 8m (only 3m in cultivation)

Flowering: 

September-December with a green - yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October-January though some fruit may be retained until June

Uses:

Riparian Plantings & Forests.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

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