Pukatea
Laurelia novae-zealandiae
Family: Atherospermataceae
What it is like
Laurelia novae-zealandiae is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. 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 and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Lowland semi-swamp and gully forests in North and South Islands, south to latitude 46°s.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Analgesic, odontalgic.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Other
Rating:
The multi-coloured wood is used in furniture making and to build boats, for it does not easily split.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in sun or semi-shade in any moderately fertile soil, including a limey soil, so long as it does not dry out in the growing season. Another report says that it requires an acid, well-drained soil and does well in the semi-shade of a sheltered woodland. Requires a warm position sheltered from cold winds. This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c, it succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. The leaves are aromatic.
Propagating it: Seed - sow February or March in a warm greenhouse. Germination rates are variable. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in individual pots in sandy soil in a frame. Keep them moist. Fair percentage. Layering in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist