Corynocarpus laevigatus
Karaka is a distinctive evergreen tree reaching 8-15 meters tall, famous for its large, glossy oval leaves and bright orange fruits that were historically an important food source for Māori. This culturally significant species has smooth grey bark and forms a rounded crown with dense foliage that provides excellent shade. Originally found in coastal and lowland forests, particularly around ancient Māori settlement sites, it produces clusters of small white flowers followed by striking orange berries that require careful processing before consumption. A treasured specimen among New Zealand's native trees
Image credit: Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Corynocarpus laevigatus |
|---|---|
| Height | 8-15 meters |
| Spread | 6-12 meters |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Low to moderate (sensitive to hard frosts) |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate (coastal tolerant) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 200-400 years |
Karaka thrives in warm, coastal to lowland climates from sea level to 600 meters elevation. It prefers mild temperatures with protection from hard frosts and performs best in areas with moderate rainfall and good air circulation. This species is naturally associated with coastal and near-coastal environments throughout the upper North Island.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Moderate |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Moderate |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Moderate |
| Dunedin | Challenging |
| Invercargill | Challenging |
Karaka thrives in fertile, well-drained coastal soils:
Karaka performs best with adequate sunlight:
Karaka requires consistent moisture during growing season:
Karaka naturally develops good form but may benefit from light pruning:
Use sharp, clean tools and make cuts just outside the branch collar. Karaka has good wound response and tolerates pruning well.
Plant Karaka during warm months in spring or early summer when soil temperatures are favorable. This frost-sensitive species establishes best when planted during optimal weather conditions.
Choose a site with:
Provide consistent watering and protection from frost during first 3-4 years. Young Karaka trees are sensitive to cold and dry conditions during establishment.
Karaka propagates readily from the large orange fruits:
Seedlings grow moderately quickly and may begin flowering after 8-12 years under good conditions.
Vegetative propagation preserves specific characteristics:
Karaka holds profound cultural significance as one of the most important traditional food trees in Māori culture, with archaeological evidence showing cultivation for over 1000 years:
Today, Karaka continues to be planted in culturally significant locations and is central to many cultural restoration projects. However, the traditional knowledge of fruit processing has been largely lost, and the fruits should be considered toxic without proper traditional preparation.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Karaka fruits are toxic when raw and should never be consumed without proper traditional preparation. Keep away from children and pets.
Plant Karaka where its cultural and historical significance can be appreciated and shared. Consider creating interpretive signage about its traditional importance and the sophisticated food processing techniques developed by Māori. The bright orange fruits and glossy leaves make it an excellent conversation starter about New Zealand's rich cultural heritage and traditional ecological knowledge.
Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus) is a culturally significant native tree, and its robust nature makes it an excellent choice for 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 coastal trees like *Metrosideros excelsa* (Pōhutukawa) or *Myoporum laetum* (Ngaio) can create a cohesive and resilient native planting, enhancing the natural beauty and biodiversity of your garden, particularly in coastal areas.
Learn more about the cultural significance of native trees in Cultural Plants.
Corynocarpus laevigatus (karaka) is a coastal evergreen tree with large, glossy leaves and clusters of fragrant, creamy flowers followed by large orange drupes. The kernels are highly toxic unless traditionally processed.
Common on coastal cliffs, dunes, and lowland forests in the northern and central North Island and parts of the South Island, thriving in warm, free-draining, fertile soils.
Flowers provide nectar; fruits are eaten by birds that disperse the large seeds. The dense canopy creates cool, sheltered understorey microclimates in coastal forests.
Functions as a durable coastal canopy/edge tree, providing shade, wind buffering, and seasonal fruit resources in urban and natural settings.
Water regularly during establishment; mulch annually. Minimal feeding needed. Note toxicity: avoid planting where fruit could be eaten by children/livestock.
Prune lightly to lift canopy or control spread. Remove fallen fruit in high-traffic areas. Monitor for scale/sooty mould in sheltered sites.
Excellent coastal shade tree and shelter on warm sites; pairs with pōhutukawa, karo, and flax for robust, low-care plantings.
Not Threatened. In restoration, use eco-sourced plants; manage weed competition and ensure adequate spacing for long-term canopy development.
While not currently threatened, karaka faces ongoing challenges from coastal development, habitat modification, and the impacts of introduced mammals that can affect both mature trees and natural regeneration. The species' slow growth and specific habitat requirements make it vulnerable to rapid environmental changes, while its cultural importance as a traditional food source adds urgency to conservation efforts. Protection focuses on maintaining existing coastal forest habitats, managing human impacts in coastal areas, and ensuring the species' continued role in both ecological systems and Māori cultural practices through appropriate restoration and cultural preservation initiatives.
This plant has cultural associations in Aotearoa and is valued in restoration and gardens for ecological services; use eco‑sourced stock near natural areas.
Karaka holds immense cultural significance for Māori as one of the most important traditional food trees, providing a reliable carbohydrate source through its large orange berries that required sophisticated processing techniques to remove natural toxins and create safe, nutritious food. The complex preparation methods involved prolonged steaming, soaking, and cooking processes that demonstrated the advanced food technology that enabled Māori communities to utilize this abundant resource safely, while the tree's presence often indicated areas of traditional settlement and cultivation. The massive, distinctive trees with their large glossy leaves also served as important landmarks and gathering places, while the hard timber was occasionally used for tools and the leaves for wrapping and storage purposes.
