Botanical name:

Paratrophis smithii (Streblus smithii)

Common name(s):

Three Kings milk tree, Smith's Milkwood, Smiths Milk Tree

About:

This small tree is found exclusively on the remote Three Kings Islands. It typically grows to a height of about 3 to 5m, featuring a bushy and spreading shape that enhances its visual appeal. The large leaves are broadly oval and exhibit a shiny green colour, which contributes to the tree's distinct look. They are held horizontally along the branches, giving the tree a tiered and layered appearance that is quite striking. This tree is a very attractive plant that is suitable for a mixed planting arrangement. It can thrive in both full sun and semi-shade conditions, but it prefers to establish itself in rich, well-dug soil that provides the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.

Natural habitat:

Coastal and lowland forests, 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:

Sun, Shade, Drought, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings Islands.

Height: 5m

Flowering: 

August – October with a pinkish white coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:
October – April with a oval reddish orange fruit

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and can be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings (though success varies). 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