Makomako
Aristotelia serrata
Makomako (scientific name: Aristotelia serrata), also widely known as Wineberry, is a fast-growing and attractive deciduous small tree endemic to New Zealand. A prominent member of the Elaeocarpaceae family, it is recognized for its deeply serrated leaves, clusters of colourful flowers, and edible summer berries. It thrives in various environments across both islands, often serving as a vital early colonizer in forest restoration. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its care, propagation, and its significant role within our unique native ecosystems and cultural history. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for all native species.
Plant Description
Identification and Physical Characteristics
Aristotelia serratais a graceful small tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height, with a smooth, pale brown bark. It is characterized by its long, slender spreading branches and broad, thin leaves that are light to dark green above and often have a striking purplish-pink underside. The leaves feature prominent veins and deeply serrated margins, giving the plant its common name 'serrata'. In spring, it produces massed clusters of small, creamy-white to dark red flowers that eventually develop into succulent, dark red to black edible berries. The entire plant has a vibrant, lush appearance that adds significant texture and seasonal interest to any forest or garden setting.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Aristotelia serrata |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 10 m |
| Spread | 3-5 m |
| Water Needs | Moderate to high; prefers moist soil |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate; hardy once established |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Lifespan | Perennial Tree |
Climate Best Suited to
Makomako is well adapted to most temperate New Zealand regions, particularly where consistent moisture and fertile soils are available.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Auckland | High |
| Wellington | High |
| Christchurch | High |
| Dunedin | High |
Plant Habitat
Natural Occurrence and Ecology
In its natural environment, Wineberry is found across both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, inhabiting a variety of lowland to montane ecosystems. It has evolved to occupy niches in moist conifer-broadleaf forests, specifically flourishing along forest margins, riverbanks, and in areas of recent disturbance. It is a specialized early colonizer of forest clearings and landslips, where it benefits from the high light and nutrient levels of disturbed ground. Its preference for moist, fertile, and well-drained soils allows it to form dense, fast-growing stands that provide the necessary shade and protection for more slow-growing native species to eventually establish underneath its canopy.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Prefers fertile, moist, and well-draining soil.
- Well-drained
- Rich in organic matter
Light Requirements
Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
- Full Sun
- Partial Shade
Water Requirements
Requires regular watering; maintain consistent soil moisture.
- Regular
- Avoid drought stress
Planting and Establishing
Establishment Guidance
To successfully establish Aristotelia serrata, choose a position that mimics its forest margin heritage: bright light and moist, fertile ground are essential. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and enrich the site with plenty of compost before planting. Planting during the cooler, moist months of autumn or early spring is ideal to allow the tree to establish its root system before the summer. Maintain consistent moisture during the initial establishment period, applying a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to help retain root moisture and provide the stable, nutrient-rich environment this fast-growing species prefers for healthy development.
Ecological Role
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact
Makomako plays a critical role in New Zealand's forest ecosystems as a vital food source for native birds, particularly kererū, tūī, and bellbirds. Its fleshy berries provide an abundant nutritional resource during the late summer and autumn months. As a pioneering species, it is often among the first to colonize disturbed ground, helping to stabilize erodible soils on river margins and forest clearings. By rapidly providing a protective canopy, it creates the sheltered micro-habitats necessary for the succession of other native flora, thereby contributing to the overall biodiversity and long-term health of our regenerating native forests and riparian environments.
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
In a garden setting, Aristotelia serratais an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly landscaping, quick shelter, or as a graceful deciduous shade tree. Its vibrant flowers and attractive berries provide high ornamental value and actively attract native birds to the garden. Due to its fast growth rate, it is highly valued for creating rapid screening and privacy. It is ideal for large native borders or as a specimen plant where its seasonal colour transitions and lush, deeply serrated foliage can be appreciated year-round, offering both practical benefits and a connection to the wild forest heritage of Aotearoa.
- Bird attractant
- Quick screening
- Native borders
Ecological Value
Beyond its ornamental appeal, this species is important for its place in traditional Māori history and medicine. The berries were a valued food source, and the bark was extensively used in traditional rongoā (medicine) to treat conditions like burns and skin ailments. Leaves were also utilized for their healing properties, and the timber was traditionally employed for carving. This deep cultural connection highlights the Makomako's significance not just as a botanical component of the landscape, but as a respected resource within the historical and cultural tapestry of New Zealand's native forest lore.
- Traditional medicine
- Historical timber
Landscaping Uses
Modern landscaping can utilize Aristotelia serratato create naturalistic forest margin layers in large-scale native or contemporary designs. Its architectural foliage and graceful habit make it a perfect softening element for the edges of large structural features or as a vibrant backdrop for smaller shrubs. Designers often use it to add a sense of permanence and regional identity to a project, where its fast-growing nature can be leveraged to provide quick visual impact. Its ability to tolerate wind and provide effective shading makes it a reliable and decorative performer for high-impact native landscaping across various New Zealand garden styles.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
As new growth resumes, monitor the plant for new shoots and massed flowers. This is the optimal time for maintenance pruning to remove any winter damage and to apply a light dressing of organic compost around the base to support rapid growth.
- Spring pruning
- Monitor growth
Summer
Peak fruiting occurs during this season. Provide regular deep watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain the health of the foliage and ensure a good crop of berries for the visiting native birds. Monitor for common garden pests.
- Consistent watering
- Enjoy berries
Autumn
The foliage colours may begin to transition. Tidy up the area around the base by removing any large fallen leaves that might smother smaller neighboring plants. Ensure the site remains well-drained as the weather becomes wetter and cooler.
- Tidy debris
- Check drainage
Winter
Naturally deciduous, growth will cease during the dormant months. Minimal intervention is needed; simply ensure the area stays free of heavy organic debris around the central base. This is a good time for major structural pruning work.
- Frost protection
- Major pruning
When to Prune and How Much
Aristotelia serratarequires regular pruning to maintain its health and architectural form. Maintenance is primarily limited to removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring before the new growth cycle begins. It responds exceptionally well to hard pruning, which can be used to rejuvenate older, straggly specimens or to maintain the tree as a more compact garden feature. Regular thinning of dense growth also improves air circulation and light penetration. Always use sharp, sterilized tools to ensure clean cuts and to minimize the potential for introducing infection to the central trunk of this fast-growing native tree.
- Remove dead wood
- Rejuvenation pruning
Always use clean, sharp tools.
How to Grow Makomako
Cultivating Makomako (Aristotelia serrata) is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener interested in New Zealand's vibrant forest flora. This resilient species is easily grown from fresh seed, which is the most reliable method for producing new plants. Replicating its natural well-drained, fertile forest margin habitat is the most critical factor for ensuring long-term success and maintaining its healthy, lush foliage in a garden setting.
From Seed
Propagation from seed is highly successful using fresh material collected in late summer. For the best germination rates, clean the pulp from the mature berries and sow the seeds immediately onto the surface of a fine, moist, organic-rich seed-raising mix. A period of cold stratification for about four weeks can help break seed dormancy and mimic the natural seasonal fluctuations. Keep the medium consistently moist but never waterlogged during the germination phase, which typically occurs in spring. Young seedlings are fast-growing and should be pricked out into individual containers as soon as they are large enough to handle.
Sow fresh seeds in a standard mix.
- Collect mature berries
- Surface sow in autumn
Keep moist until germination occurs.
From Cuttings
Vegetative propagation via semi-hardwood cuttings is also possible and is best performed in late summer or early autumn. Select healthy, semi-ripe stems and place them in a moist, well-drained potting medium. Using a rooting hormone and providing a humid environment can significantly improve the success rate for this species. Keep the cuttings in a cool, bright spot out of direct sunlight until signs of new growth are observed, indicating that they have successfully established their own root systems and are ready for the garden.
Cuttings are best taken in late summer.
- Select healthy stems
- Provide humid environment
Additional Methods
Ensuring the right growing environment is often more critical than complex propagation techniques for this species. It thrives when its roots are kept cool and moist within an organic-rich substrate, making it perfect for riparian-themed gardens or native borders. Avoid areas subject to extreme drought, which can cause the leaves to wilt and drop prematurely. Once established, the tree is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering during dry spells to maintain its healthy form and vibrant flowering and fruiting displays throughout the seasons.
Once planted, it requires very little intervention.
- Monitor soil moisture
- Apply organic mulch annually
Pests & Diseases
This species is generally robust, but can be susceptible to scale insects or aphids on new growth. Regular monitoring and the use of organic oils or insecticidal soaps are recommended. The primary risk in cultivation is root rot caused by poorly drained or waterlogged soils. Occasionally, leaf spot may appear during prolonged wet weather, but this is rarely a significant threat to the tree's long-term health. Maintaining good air circulation through regular pruning and ensuring that the planting site has excellent drainage are the best ways to ensure the resilience and health of this hardy native forest species.
Cultural Significance
As an iconic endemic New Zealand species, Aristotelia serrataholds significant historical and cultural importance for Māori. Known as makomako or mako, its berries were a traditional food source, and the plant was a central component of traditional medicine (rongoā), utilized for its healing properties in treating burns, boils, and various skin conditions. Its role as a vital food source for native birds further links its protection to broader forest conservation efforts. This species stands as a powerful symbol of the deep connection between the people of Aotearoa and their native flora, where the unique properties of forest trees were understood and respected within traditional knowledge systems.
- Traditional rongoā resource
- Iconic forest heritage
Bonus Tip
To truly showcase the beautiful purplish-pink undersides of the leaves, plant your Makomako where it can be seen from a low angle or where the wind can easily reveal the foliage colours. The shimmering effect of the two-toned leaves in the ocean breeze brings a touch of vibrant forest elegance directly into your native garden collection or landscape design.
Related Plants
Explore other native plants that share similar characteristics or habitats with Makomako (Aristotelia serrata), offering further insights into New Zealand's diverse flora. These related species provide context and opportunities for complementary planting in your garden.
Plant Conservation
Conservation Status
Currently classified as 'Not Threatened' nationally, Aristotelia serrataremains a stable and important part of New Zealand's native forest biodiversity. However, its continued success is linked to the preservation of its specialized forest margin and riparian habitats, which can be vulnerable to land development and the spread of aggressive invasive weeds. Ensuring that these natural environments remain protected from excessive human disturbance and pollution is key to maintaining the healthy populations of Makomako that currently thrive across its natural range.