Botanical name:

Paratrophis banksii (Streblus banksii)

Common name(s):

Ewekuri, large-leaved milk tree, tūrepo

About:

Found in the lush lowland forests stretching from Mangonui to Marlborough, this remarkable tree typically grows to heights of about 4 to 5m, featuring an attractive and rounded crown that enhances its overall appearance. The juvenile leaves of this tree are strikingly deeply lobed, providing a unique texture, whereas the adult foliage transitions to an oval shape, displaying a rich dark green colour on the upper surface and a much paler hue underneath. This tree thrives best in conditions that offer some shelter and requires a good quality, moist soil to flourish adequately.

Natural habitat:
Coastal and lowland forests (0-200m), preferring deep, fertile soils, large trees are often found on alluvial terraces. On offshore islands it seems more able to tolerate drier conditions and skeletal soils and may at times be found on steep cliff faces, rock ledges, or as stunted shrubs on cobble/boulder beaches.

Growing environment:

Shade, Drought, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands. In the North Island mainly easterly from about Kaitaia to East Cape, Waikato and northern Hawkes Bay, including islands of the Hauraki Gulf, thence somewhat disjunct reappearing in the Horowhenua to Wellington and the western side of the Wairarapa. Confined to the northern South Island where populations are known from the Marlborough Sounds (mainly islands), Abel Tasman National Park, and also the eastern Golden Bay.

Height: 12m

Flowering: 

August – October with a white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:
October – April with a oval reddish orange fruit/

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and can be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings (though success varies). A fast growing tree which makes an ideal specimen tree, and can be used as a hedge as it responds well to clipping. Prefers a deep, free draining, fertile soil. Once established it is very drought tolerant.

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