Dysoxylum spectabile
Dysoxylum spectabile, commonly known as kohekohe or New Zealand mahogany, is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It is found in lowland and coastal forests, primarily throughout the North Island and in the Marlborough Sounds of the South Island. Mature trees can reach up to 15 meters (50 ft) in height with a trunk up to a meter in diameter. One of its most distinctive features is cauliflory, where its scented white flowers and fruit grow directly from the trunk or branches, a characteristic more commonly associated with tropical trees. These flowers, which appear in panicles from early autumn to mid-winter, are an important nectar source for native birds like the tūī and bellbird. The large, glossy green, pinnate leaves, up to 40 cm (16 in) long, also contribute to its tropical appearance. The fruit of the kohekohe takes about 15 months to ripen, appearing as green golf-ball-sized capsules that split open to reveal seeds encased in a fleshy orange aril. This fruit provides a food source for birds such as kererū and kōkako. Historically, Māori used the bark of the kohekohe for medicinal tonics and the wood for building canoes, although the wood is soft and not as durable as hardwoods. While sometimes referred to as New Zealand mahogany due to its light, strong wood that polishes to a fine red color, its formal scientific name is Didymocheton spectabilis, though Dysoxylum spectabile remains in common use. The tree thrives in deep, moist soils and sheltered positions but requires protection from frost.
| Scientific Name | Dysoxylum spectabile |
|---|---|
| Height | 15-20 m |
| Spread | 8-12 m |
| Water Needs | Moderate to high |
| Light | Partial shade to full sun |
| Frost Tolerance | Low |
| Salt Tolerance | Poor |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived tree |
Kohekohe occurs naturally in frost‑free coastal and lowland forest, thriving in humid, mild climates with reliable rainfall. It dislikes prolonged cold and hard frosts but responds well to shelter and evenly moist soils.
| City | Climate 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 | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Prefers fertile, humus‑rich, free‑draining forest soils with consistent moisture. Tolerates clay loams if well drained. Avoid exposed, droughty, or waterlogged ground. Mulch generously to conserve moisture and build organic matter.
Kohekohe establishes well in partial shade under a light canopy, then performs strongly in filtered light to full sun once sheltered. Wind shelter improves leaf quality and reduces moisture stress.
Consistent moisture is ideal, particularly for young trees. Once established, Kohekohe copes with short dry periods but benefits from deep watering during extended summer droughts.
Winter cauliflorous flowers supply critical nectar to native birds (tūī, korimako) and insects; fleshy arils attract frugivores that disperse seed. The broad evergreen canopy creates cool, shaded forest microclimates.
Known as “New Zealand mahogany,” Kohekohe has a history in rākau rongoā and regional timber use. In gardens it is a striking specimen or restoration canopy where frost is minimal.
Plant container trees after last frost; weed control and mulching are priorities. Light formative pruning to guide a single leader.
Maintain even moisture. Provide temporary shade cloth for new plantings during heat waves in continental locations.
Reduce irrigation as temperatures fall. Collect seed as capsules split.
Peak flowering; avoid heavy pruning. In colder districts, protect young trees from frost with covers or temporary shelter.
Requires little pruning beyond formative work on young trees. Maintain a single, straight leader and remove only dead, weak, or crossing branches. Avoid heavy topping which compromises form and health.
Kohekohe, also known as New Zealand Mahogany, is a magnificent native tree highly valued for its glossy foliage, fragrant flowers, and its unique cauliflorous flowering habit (flowers directly on the trunk and branches). It is a prominent feature in coastal and lowland forests and is a popular choice for larger gardens and restoration projects. While it is a robust tree, successful cultivation requires attention to its specific needs, particularly regarding moisture, shelter, and protection from frost when young. Understanding its propagation methods is key to successfully growing this iconic species.
Propagating Kohekohe from fresh seed is the most common and generally reliable method. Collect the small, fleshy, red-orange fruits when they are ripe, typically in late autumn or early winter. Clean the seeds thoroughly to remove the fleshy pulp. Sow the fresh seeds in a well-draining seed-raising mix, lightly covering them. Maintain consistent moisture and provide warm, bright conditions for germination. Germination can be slow and erratic, often taking several months. Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be potted into individual containers and grown in a sheltered, frost-free location for their first few years before planting out.
Propagation of Kohekohe from cuttings can be challenging but is possible with careful attention to detail. Take semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy, current season's growth in late summer or early autumn. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings into a well-draining, sterile cutting mix, such as a blend of perlite and peat. Maintain high humidity around the cuttings, perhaps by placing them under a plastic dome or in a propagator, and provide bottom heat to encourage root development. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Rooting can take several months, and success rates can vary, making this method more suitable for experienced propagators.
Kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) is a handsome, evergreen tree of the citrus family (Meliaceae), characteristic of warm coastal and lowland forests of the North Island and northern South Island. It bears large, glossy, pinnate leaves and spectacular winter blossoms that arise directly from trunks and older branches (cauliflory), providing rich nectar for tūī and korimako/bellbirds when few other natives are in flower. The ensuing capsules split to reveal bright orange arils around dark seeds, dispersed by birds. In cultivation it favours sheltered, frost‑free sites with moisture‑retentive but free‑draining soils. Explore more NZ native plant guides in our index.
Kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile) holds cultural importance in Aotearoa New Zealand through its roles in traditional knowledge and native ecosystems.
