Botanical name:

Pterophylla racemosa (Weinmannia racemosa)

Common name(s):

Kāmahi, tawheo, tawhero, tawherowhero

About:

A magnificent spreading tree adorned with dark green, leathery leaves, it produces an abundance of creamy to pale pink flowers during the warm summer months. This resilient species thrives in various regions, extending from the vibrant landscapes of Auckland all the way down to Stewart Island. Interestingly, it often starts its life as an epiphyte, initially growing on the sturdy fronds of tree ferns. You can commonly spot this remarkable tree in regenerating bush environments or alongside clay banks, where it frequently flourishes on the edges of roads and streams.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to subalpine. A widespread and common tree of disturbed habitats in coastal and lowland to montane forest, often becoming locally dominant in higher altitude montane forest in the higher ranges of the North Island and western South Island.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart Island. The exact northern limits of W. racemosa are uncertain but probably lie somewhere along the Manukau Harbour and Hunua Ranges across the Kamai Range.

Height: 25m

Flowering: 

July – January with a creamy/pink coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October – May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or semi hardwood cuttings. Kamahi prefers well drained sites and tolerates infertile soil. The white candle-like flowers appear in autumn, soon followed by tiny capsules that split open to release fine seeds to be blown in the wind.

** Tiny seedlings will appear in the spring but they are slow and struggle to compete if moss is allowed to establish on the seed tray.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.