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Corynocarpus laevigatus

New Zealand laurel

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

Other common names
karaka
karaka nut
see moreNew Zealand church tree

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green White Yellow Green
Autumn Green Orange
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Corynocarpaceae
Native to the UK
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
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 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

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