Botanical name:

Vitex lucens

Common name(s):

Puriri

About:

A wide spreading and fast growing tree, the Puriri produces exceptionally durable wood that is ideal for crafting sturdy fence posts or elegant coffee tables, making it a perfect choice for those seeking long-lasting furniture pieces. These remarkable trees have an extensive flowering period during which they become adorned with delicate pink flowers that resemble foxgloves, creating a stunning visual display. Furthermore, Puriri trees have an even longer period of vibrant red fruit, providing continual interest and sustenance for both humans and various bird species throughout the entire year. Notably, Puriri is one of the few native trees distinguished by its large and colourful flowers, adding to its charm and ecological significance.

Natural habitat:

In the northern part of its distribution, Puriri is frequently found co-habitating with Taraire (Beilschmiedia tarairi) and karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus), particularly in rich fertile soils that originate from basaltic and basaltic-andesitic igneous rocks. To the south of the northern Bay of Plenty and Raglan Harbours, its presence is uncommon inland and it is predominantly located in coastal forests, where it shares its habitat with pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) and karaka. Additionally, Puriri serves as a significant forest tree on many smaller islands of the Hauraki Gulf, where it can occasionally be the dominant canopy species.

Growing environment:

Sun & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’sThree Kings Islands and North Island from Te Paki to Taranaki, Mahia Peninsula and the northern Hawkes Bay. Puriri is, as a rule, scarce south of about Opotiki and Kawhia.

Height: 20m

Flowering: 

May – October with a red/pink or white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January - October

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Forests & Timber

How to grow:

Easily grown from seed. Seed can be slow to germinate, although germination can be hastened by scarifying the seed coat. Seedlings and saplings are frost tender and require a sheltered, warm, semi-shaded site (at least initially to thrive). Puriri prefers a rich, deep, fertile soil but is surprisingly tolerant of a range of conditions including drought (once established). This is a spectacular specimen tree that deserves to be more widely cultivated than it is. It makes an excellent street/avenue or park tree, and the flowers attract birds (especially tui and bellbird) and the fruits kereru.

** Soak for 48 hours in cold water before sowing to speed up germination.