Corynocarpus laevigatus | Les Jardins du Florilège

Nom vernaculaire

karaka ou laurier de Nouvelle-Zélande

Famille

Corynocarpaceae

Slow-growing evergreen tree.

Classification

Trees and shrubs

Couleur de feuille

Green

Couleur de fleur

Green

Hauteur minimum

1000cm

Hauteur max

1500cm

Encombrement min

200cm

Encombrement max

500cm

Intérêts remarquables

Evergreen

Utilisation au jardin

Isolated

General description

Origin: This plant is native to the coastal and lowland forests of the North Island of New Zealand, as well as coastal areas of the northern third of the South Island and the Kermadec and Chatham Islands.
Climate: Withstands temperatures down to -7-4 °C.
Exposure: Sun - Partial shade. It tolerates coastal conditions well and, thanks to its dense growth.
Soil: Light - Medium - Heavy. PH 6-7.
Growth: Average.
Use: It is often planted as an ornamental tree, but it has become an invasive species in some areas due to its prolific seedling growth and ability to outcompete native vegetation. It makes an excellent potted plant.

Dimensions: It can reach a height of 15 meters.
Habit: Narrow and upright.
Note: Maori folklore tells how this plant was introduced to New Zealand, but as it is not found anywhere else, this story is now considered an unfounded legend and the plant is believed to be native to New Zealand.

Flowering time: Flowering takes place in spring (September-November in the southern hemisphere)
Shape: The flowers are small. Grouped in panicles.
Colour: Greenish.

Ripening: The fruits ripen in summer and autumn (February-April in the southern hemisphere).
Shape: The fruits are oval drupes, 2 to 4 cm long.
Colour: Bright orange to red.
Note: Karaka is primarily cultivated for its edible fruit after preparation. The raw seeds are toxic and must be processed (steaming or boiling, followed by drying) to remove the karakin toxin. The oil extracted from the fruit is also edible.