Tawapou
Planchonella costata

Family: Sapotaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 6-8 m tall but can grow 20 m tall. The trunk can be 1 m across. The leaves are shiny green and 5-10 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. There are 14-20 side veins. The small branches and leaf stems have short hairs. The flowers are small and delicate. They are 4-6 mm across. They are usually in the axils of leaves. The fruit are berries 3-4 cm long. They have 2-4 seeds. These are curved. They fruit change from green to orange to dark red as they ripen.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. In New Zealand it grows up to 450 m above sea level. It suits coastal conditions. It is damaged by frost. It can tolerate drought. It has been cultivated in the Hobart Botanical Gardens. Melbourne Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, New Zealand (country/location of origin), Norfolk Island, Pacific, Tasmania, Vanuatu

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from fresh seeds. It is hard to grow from cuttings.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Achras costata Endl.; Achras novozelandica F. Muell.; Bassia amicorum A. Gray; Burckella amicorum (A. Gray) H. J. Lam; Madhuca amicorum (A. Gray) J. F. Macbr.; Planchonella novozelandica (F. Muell.) Allan; Pouteria costata (Endl.) Baehni; Sapota costata (Endl.) A. DC.; Sersalisia costata (Endl.) Domin; Sideroxylum costatum (Endl.) F. Muell.; Sideroxylon novozelandicum (F. Muell.) Hemsl.;