New Zealand wineberry
Aristotelia serrata

Family: Elaeocarpaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows to about 10 m high. The trunk can be 30 cm across. The young bark is reddish. It can lose its leaves in cold places. The leaves are thin and let light through. They are pale green in colour. The leaves are pointed and with teeth along the edge. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees. The flowers grow in clusters. They can be pale pink or red. The fruit are 5 mm long. They are red when mature and black when fully ripe.

There are about 5-8 Aristotelia species. They grow in southern temperate regions.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows in lowland and subalpine forests in New Zealand. It grows from sea level to 1050 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Europe, New Zealand (country/location of origin), Tasmania

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten raw. They are also used in wine.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

It grows quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Makokamo

Synonyms

Aristotelia racemosa Hook.;