Puka, Pukanai
Meryta sinclairii

Family: Araliaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows about 6-10 m tall. The leaves are large. The leaf and stalk are 1 m long. They are leathery thick and shiny. They are bright green. They grow in heavy bunches towards the ends of branches. The flowers are small and green and have 4 petals. They occur in long clusters. The fruit are berries. They are 10 mm long. They take about 12 months to mature. They turn black and are succulent.

There are about 30 Meryta species. They grow in the Pacific Islands.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the off shore islands near Auckland in New Zealand. They are frost tender. They need fertile, well-drained, humus-rich soils. It suits hardiness zones 10-11. Hobart Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, berries

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Botryodendrum sinclairii Hook.f.;