Heropito
Pseudowintera axillaris

Family: Winteraceae

What it is like

Pseudowintera axillaris is an evergreen Shrub growing to 7.5 m (24ft) by 7.5 m (24ft). It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 7.5

Where it is found

Lowland and lower montane forests between latitudes 35 and 42°south in North and South Islands.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Anodyne, aromatic, astringent, tonic.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Aromatic: Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

Wood - red. Used in inlay work.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Prefers a cool moist position in a well-drained but moisture-retentive humus-rich soil. Dislikes lime. Succeeds in sun or part shade. Not very hardy in Britain, it succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country. Grows well in light woodland. Plants tolerate pruning if this is needed.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame, but it can also be sown in the spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of greenwood in the summer. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Drimys axillaris.