Meryta sinclairii
puka
A tender evergreen tree, fast growing, up to around 5m high in cultivation. Leaves are bright green, leathery and glossy with wavy edges and pale undersides, and can be up to 50cm long, often clustered at the ends of the branches forming a rounded crown. Produces large panicles of small, pale whitish-green flowers, followed by small green berries that ripen to black
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Black | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
Suitable for only the warmest regions of the UK, where it will thrive in humus-rich, free draining soil and will tolerate wind, salt and some drought once established. Needs to be kept frost-free to survive over winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe. Plants may self-seed in place
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free, though young plants may be susceptible to damage by rodents
Diseases
May be susceptible to phytophthora and verticillium wilt
Get involved
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