Corokia macrocarpa
Chatham Islands Corokia is a distinctive endemic shrub or small tree found only on the remote Chatham Islands archipelago. Known by its Māori names hokotaka and whakataka, this hardy species can reach up to 8 meters tall and produces masses of yellow star-shaped flowers with orange centers, followed by bright orange berries. Its greyish-green leaves with silvery-white undersides and remarkable tolerance for coastal conditions make it a unique representative of New Zealand's isolated island flora. native shrubs
Image credit: Chatham Islands Corokia (Corokia macrocarpa). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Corokia macrocarpa |
|---|---|
| Height | 2-8 meters |
| Spread | 2-4 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance | Excellent (coastal native) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Chatham Islands Corokia is adapted to the cool, windy, maritime climate of the Chatham Islands. It thrives in temperate coastal conditions with high humidity, moderate temperatures, and tolerance for strong winds and salt exposure. It's well-suited to New Zealand's cooler regions and coastal areas.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Moderate |
| Auckland | Good |
| Hamilton | Good |
| Tauranga | Good |
| Rotorua | Good |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Chatham Islands Corokia is very adaptable to soil conditions:
Chatham Islands Corokia performs well in various light conditions:
Moderate water needs with excellent drought tolerance:
Chatham Islands Corokia responds well to pruning:
This species is excellent for formal hedging and topiary work, tolerating regular clipping well while maintaining its distinctive foliage character.
The best time to plant Chatham Islands Corokia is during spring when soil temperatures warm and growth begins, or in early autumn when soil is still warm but cooler temperatures reduce stress.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during the first year until well-established. This hardy species then requires minimal care once established.
Growing Chatham Islands Corokia from seed is possible:
Fresh seed generally has better germination rates than stored seed.
Semi-hardwood cuttings are generally successful:
Can also be propagated from hardwood cuttings taken in winter, though success rates may be variable.
Chatham Islands Corokia (Corokia macrocarpa) represents the unique evolutionary heritage of the Chatham Islands and their indigenous Moriori and Māori cultural traditions:
Today, Chatham Islands Corokia serves as an ambassador for the unique flora of New Zealand's remote islands, reminding us of the importance of protecting island ecosystems and their endemic species.
The best approach is providing appropriate growing conditions and allowing this naturally hardy species to thrive. Remove any affected plant material and ensure good air circulation.
Create a "Chatham Islands garden" featuring Corokia macrocarpa alongside other plants from New Zealand's remote islands. The contrast between the silvery-white leaf undersides and dark green tops creates beautiful visual interest, especially when caught by coastal breezes. The bright orange berries provide winter color and attract native birds, making this an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Consider it for areas where you want to showcase New Zealand's unique island heritage.
Chatham Islands Corokia (Corokia macrocarpa) is a unique endemic shrub, and its robust nature makes it an excellent choice for challenging coastal and exposed garden environments. When considering companion plants, look for other native species that share its resilience and complement its distinctive foliage and growth habit. Other Corokia species, or other divaricating shrubs, can create a cohesive and resilient native planting, enhancing the natural beauty and biodiversity of your garden.
Learn more about endemic island plants in Coastal Plants.
Corokia macrocarpa is a Chatham Islands corokia with dense, interlaced (divaricating) branchlets, small grey‑green leaves, starry yellow flowers, and conspicuously large orange fruit. Naturally tight growth responds well to clipping for hedges and topiary.
Coastal to lowland scrub and rocky sites of the Chatham Islands with strong wind, high light, and free‑draining mineral soils. Tolerant of exposure and salt‑laden air.
Divaricating architecture reduces browsing and creates refuge for invertebrates and small birds. Flowers support pollinators; fruit is dispersed by birds, aiding local recruitment.
Functions as a durable, structural shrub in restoration and coastal plantings, stabilising light soils and adding seasonal food resources without heavy maintenance needs.
Water through the first summer; minimal irrigation thereafter. Light spring feed only if growth is weak. Clip lightly and often to build dense hedges.
Shear or selectively prune to maintain shape; remove congested wood to keep airflow. Monitor for scale in sheltered, humid spots and manage with horticultural oils if required.
Superb for fine‑textured hedging, clipped mounds, and low screens. Pairs well with hebes, olearia, and native tussocks for contrasting form and year‑round structure.
Island endemic; use eco‑sourced plants for regional projects where appropriate. Protect young plants from browsing and ensure weed control during establishment.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Coastal korokio was recognized by Māori as a distinctive coastal plant adapted to harsh maritime environments, valued for its hardy nature and its role as an indicator of specific coastal conditions in traditional ecological knowledge. The plant's ability to establish and thrive in challenging coastal environments made it important for understanding coastal processes and environmental changes, while its distinctive twisted branches and silver foliage made it recognizable among coastal vegetation. The species continues to hold cultural interest as one of New Zealand's most distinctive coastal shrubs.
