About
A slow-growing evergreen tree, to 20m high in its native environment but usually smaller in cultivation. Clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers are produced in the leaf axils in late spring, followed by green berries that slowly ripen to red. It has rough, corky bark and dark green, wavy leaves to 30cm long that are narrow when young but broader when mature.
About the genus
A genus of five species of evergreen trees or shrubs, three of which are native to New Zealand, one to Hawaii and the other to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. They have solid, strong bark and bright green foliage, sometimes narrow and olive-leaf like, and small white flowers followed by red fruit containing a single seed
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Care notes
CultivationThrives in deep, rich, well-drained soil. A handsome specimen tree for warmer regions
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus