Tutu, Tree tutu
Coriaria arborea
Family: Coriariaceae
What it is like
An evergreen plant. It is a large multi-trunked shrub. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. The flowers are small and hang in racemes. The fruit are purple-black. The seeds are poisonous.
There are about 12-16 Coriaria species, and only one Coriariaceae genus. It has invasive roots.
Where it is found
It suits hardiness zones 8-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
New Zealand (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
CAUTION: All plant parts are poisonous except the envelope around the flower. It contains a glucoside called "tutin". It can cause death. The juice can be squeezed out of the envelope of the flower by squeezing it in a fine cloth.
Edible parts
The envelope around the flower, caution
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seed, cuttings or root division.