Dodonaea viscosa
Dodonaea viscosa is a hardy shrub or small tree native to New Zealand, known for its resilience in coastal and exposed environments. It is valued for its attractive purple-tinged foliage, tolerance of poor soils, and ability to withstand wind and salt spray. The plant is often used for shelterbelts, hedges, and ecological restoration projects. native trees
Image credit: Akeake (Dodonaea viscosa). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Dodonaea viscosa |
|---|---|
| Height | 2–7 m (occasionally up to 10 m) |
| Spread | 2–4 m |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate; hardy to about -5°C |
| Salt Tolerance | High; tolerates coastal conditions and salt spray |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Lifespan | Long-lived (decades) |
Akeake is naturally found in coastal and lowland areas throughout New Zealand, particularly in drier eastern regions. It's a pioneer species that colonizes disturbed sites, rocky areas, and forest margins.
Akeake is renowned for its adaptability to challenging sites, making it ideal for coastal gardens, exposed positions, and poor soils. It's particularly valuable in areas where other plants struggle to establish.
| City | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Good |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Invercargill | Marginal |
Low maintenance once established. Occasional pruning to maintain shape and remove any damaged branches is all that's typically required.
The ecology of Dodonaea involves its interactions with other species and its role in ecosystem processes. Understanding these relationships helps in conservation and cultivation.
Akeake interacts with various native birds, insects, and other plants, contributing to the overall biodiversity of New Zealand's ecosystems.
The plant has evolved various adaptations to survive in challenging environments, including drought tolerance and resistance to salt spray.
Prune Dodonaea viscosa in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Regular trimming is recommended for hedges and screens.
Akeake was highly valued by Māori for its extremely hard wood, used to make tools and weapons. The name 'Akeake' means 'forever and ever,' reflecting the timber's durability. Early European settlers also used the wood for tool handles and machinery parts.
Akeake is generally very resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance addition to most gardens.
Create a stunning color contrast in your garden by planting the purple-leaved form of Akeake (Dodonaea viscosa 'Purpurea') alongside plants with silver or golden foliage. Good companions include Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate', Libertia peregrinans (for its orange-toned foliage), and Astelia chathamica (for silver contrast). This combination works particularly well in coastal gardens where these hardy natives will thrive while creating year-round visual interest through foliage contrast rather than relying on seasonal flowers.
Coastal plants like ngaio, pohutukawa, and coastal coprosma are excellent companions. They share similar salt and wind tolerance.
Dodonaea belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is one of the most widespread and adaptable native shrubs in New Zealand. This species is found throughout the country and is particularly common in coastal and lowland areas.
Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Dodonaea
Species: viscosa
Found throughout New Zealand, particularly in coastal areas, forest margins, and disturbed sites. Also occurs in Australia and other Pacific regions.
Akeake is naturally found in specific habitats throughout New Zealand. Understanding its natural environment helps in providing appropriate growing conditions in cultivation.
Discover other native plants that complement Akeake in your garden. These plants share similar growing conditions and create beautiful, sustainable landscapes.
Akeake is not threatened but can be affected by habitat modification. It is valued for its durable timber and wildlife habitat.
Akeake is not currently threatened and is widespread throughout New Zealand. However, protecting its natural habitats and promoting its use in gardens helps maintain genetic diversity.
Individuals can contribute to conservation by:
Akeake thrives in a wide range of soils, including sandy, rocky, and poor soils, as long as drainage is good. It prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Once established, it is highly drought and wind tolerant, making it ideal for exposed and coastal sites. Mulch young plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as Akeake does not tolerate poor drainage.
Dodonaea is highly valued in landscaping for its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. It can be used in various garden styles and landscape applications.
Consider the plant's mature size, growth rate, and maintenance requirements when incorporating it into landscape designs. Its adaptability makes it suitable for challenging sites where other plants may struggle.
Dodonaea plays an important ecological role in New Zealand's native ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for native wildlife and contributes to ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Akeake provides valuable habitat for native birds, insects, and other wildlife. The dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites, while the seeds are an important food source for various bird species.
The plant contributes to soil stabilization, particularly in coastal and exposed areas, and helps prevent erosion. Its deep root system helps improve soil structure and water infiltration.
As a pioneer species, Akeake plays a crucial role in ecological succession, colonizing disturbed sites and creating conditions suitable for other native plants to establish.
Regular care and maintenance will keep Dodonaea healthy and thriving. This includes proper watering, feeding, and monitoring for any issues.
Akeake is drought-tolerant once established, but young plants benefit from regular watering during dry periods. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root development.
Generally not required, but a light application of slow-release fertilizer in spring can promote vigorous growth in poor soils.
Responds well to pruning and can be shaped as desired. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Monitor for common issues and address promptly to maintain plant health and appearance.
Akeake has minimal requirements and adapts well to challenging conditions. This hardy native thrives in coastal and exposed environments.
Akeake (Dodonaea viscosa) is a hardy, evergreen shrub or small tree that typically reaches heights of 2-7 meters (6-23 feet), occasionally growing up to 10 meters in ideal conditions. The plant is characterized by its distinctive foliage, which consists of simple, alternate leaves that are typically 3-8 cm long and 1-3 cm wide.
Dodonaea exhibits distinctive characteristics that make it easily identifiable in its natural habitat. Its growth habit, leaf structure, and seasonal changes all contribute to its unique appearance and ecological role.
The leaves are lanceolate to elliptic in shape with smooth margins and a glossy, sticky surface that gives the plant its specific epithet "viscosa." The foliage color varies from bright green to dark green, often with a purple or reddish tinge, particularly in new growth and during cooler weather.
The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring and summer, followed by distinctive winged seed capsules that are initially green but mature to a reddish-brown color. These capsules are a key identifying feature and provide food for native birds.
Understanding these physical characteristics helps gardeners and conservationists identify the plant correctly and provide appropriate care. The plant's form and features also make it valuable for landscaping and restoration projects.
Akeake (Dodonaea viscosa) is an excellent choice for challenging sites where other plants struggle to establish. This hardy native shrub is particularly well-suited for coastal gardens, exposed positions, and areas with poor soil conditions.
Proper planting techniques are crucial for the successful establishment of Dodonaea. Taking time to prepare the site and follow best practices will help ensure the plant thrives in its new location.
Consider the plant's mature size and growth habit when selecting a planting location. This planning helps avoid future problems and creates more sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes.
Choose a location that accommodates the plant's needs:
Prepare the soil to meet the plant's requirements:
Follow these steps for successful establishment:
During the first growing season:
