Botanical name:

Quintinia serrata

Common name(s):

Tawheowheo, quintinia

About:

As well as being native to mainly Westland in the South Island , this small and versatile tree is also commonly found in various North Island forests, where it contributes to the unique biodiversity of these ecosystems. It usually grows to a height of between 5 to 12m, forming a bushy tree with distinctive pointed oval leaves that can reach lengths of up to 16cm. The margins of these leaves are wavy and exhibit very shallow serrations, adding to their texture. The young growth appears in a striking yellowish green colour, maturing to a pleasing light green, and eventually taking on purplish tones as the seasons change. In late spring, this tree produces tiny white flowers that are arranged in quite showy racemes, creating an attractive display that enhances its visual appeal. While it can be somewhat temperamental in cultivation, it tends to thrive best when grown in semi-shade within soil that has been well worked and aerated. During particularly dry periods, it is important to provide adequate watering to ensure its health and vitality.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane usually in forest, in the northern part of its range often confined to cooler valley heads and ridge lines or prominent on the summits of major ranges and peaks (in so called “cloud forest”). In the southern part of its range extending into coastal forest where it may form a major part of the forest understory and/or canopy in disturbed sites

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands from about Kaitaia south to Wellington. In the South Island mostly westerly in the South Island to about Martins Bay.

Height: 12m

Flowering: 

September – March with a white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

November - June

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Difficult. Best grown from fresh seed although results vary. Does well in a shaded or semi-shaded situation planted in a deep, moist, fertile soil. Plants are prone to sudden collapse, especially during periods of drought. However, as with seed germination results vary and some people find cultivation of Quintinia easy, others not.

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