Corynocarpus laevigatus

RHS Plant Profile

New Zealand laurel

Other common names

karaka, karaka nut, New Zealand church tree

Trees

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Large tree about 10-15m in the wild, shrubby in cultivation, with elliptic, leathery, dark green leaves to 20cm long. On mature trees small, greenish-yellow or white flowers are produced in upright, branched panicles, from spring to summer, followed by fleshy, ovoid, orange fruits ripening in autumn

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 4-8 metres
Max Height: Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Corynocarpaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Spreading branched, Bushy
Potentially harmful: TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus: Corynocarpus is a genus of five species of flowering shrubs and trees which are native to New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Vanuatu. The foliage is thick, smooth and glossy green or variegated, similar to laurel, with some species producing ornamental orange fruit in the autumn
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Suited to frost-free areas only. Grow in frost-free greenhouse or conservatory in a container of peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full or bright filtered light with good ventilation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer or propagate by seed in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Coastal
Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Sub-tropical

Pruning

Pruning group 1; plants under glass may need restrictive pruning

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and Glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

Generally disease-free