Tawapou ( Planchonella costata ) is a small to medium-sized coastal tree native to the northern North Island of New Zealand and Norfolk Island. It is the sole representative of its genus in New Zealand, known for its glossy, dark green, leathery leaves and distinctive fleshy berries. Often found growing alongside pōhutukawa and taraire in northern coastal forests, it represents an important component of New Zealand's coastal plant communities .
| Scientific Name | Planchonella costata |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 20 meters |
| Spread | Varies |
| Water Needs | Moderate (drought-tolerant once established) |
| Light | Full sun (prefers coastal conditions) |
| Frost Tolerance | Low (frost-tender) |
| Salt Tolerance | High (well-adapted to salt spray) |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Lifespan | Perennial |
Tawapou is found locally on islands and headlands along the northern coasts of the North Island, from North Cape to Tolaga Bay on the east coast and as far as the Manukau Harbour on the west. It grows from sea level to about 450 meters, always close to the sea.
| 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 | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Tawapou thrives in coastal environments and is frost-tender, making it best suited for warmer northern regions.
Prefers well-drained, sandy soils and full sun. Tolerates salt spray and coastal exposure.
Prefers well-drained, sandy soils; tolerates coastal conditions.
Full sun.
Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established.
Tawapou has both historical and modern applications. Its durable seeds were traditionally used by Māori for necklaces, and its berries provide a food source for native birds.
In contemporary times, Tawapou is valued for coastal restoration plantings, large gardens, and parks in northern New Zealand due to its hardiness and aesthetic appeal.
Ensure new plantings are well-watered as temperatures rise. Monitor for early growth and general health.
Provide supplementary watering during dry spells, especially for young trees. Tawapou is drought-tolerant once established.
An ideal time for planting new trees as cooler temperatures reduce stress. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Protect young trees from frost in cooler regions. Established trees are generally hardy in their native coastal habitats.
Tawapou generally requires minimal pruning. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches as needed. Light shaping can be done to maintain desired form, ideally in late winter or early spring before new growth commences.
The best time to plant Tawapou is during spring or autumn when soil temperatures are moderate and rainfall is reliable, allowing for good establishment before extreme weather.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and slightly deeper. Place the Tawapou tree in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Tawapou (Planchonella costata) is best raised from fresh seed collected from fully ripe berries; cuttings are possible with careful technique but generally slower and less reliable. Young plants establish best in warm, coastal, frost-free sites with shelter from the harshest winds and well-drained soils.
Harvest fruit when it turns deep orange to dark red/purple-black and yields easily to pressure. Remove all flesh to avoid fungal issues—soaking in lukewarm water helps soften the pulp—and scrub seeds clean. Sow promptly as a free-draining seed-raising mix is preferred; place seeds on the surface and cover lightly with fine medium. Keep evenly moist (never waterlogged) and maintain warm conditions (around 18–24°C) in bright, indirect light. Germination can be slow and irregular, taking several weeks to a few months. Pot on seedlings once roots are well-developed, growing them on in a sheltered, sunny position with steady moisture.
Take 8–12 cm semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer to early autumn from healthy, non-flowering shoots. Remove the lower leaves, reduce remaining leaf area by half, and make a clean basal cut just below a node. Dip the base in an IBA rooting hormone and insert into a very free-draining propagation medium (e.g., coarse perlite with fine bark). Provide high humidity (mist bench or covered propagator), gentle bottom heat around 20°C, and bright filtered light. Maintain moisture without saturation. Expect variable success and slower rooting; pot on only after firm roots form.
Site in full sun to light shade in frost-free, coastal climates. Provide a well-drained soil improved with organic matter. Water regularly during the first two summers; reduce as plants establish deep roots. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring at label rates. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch clear of the trunk. Prune lightly to shape and remove damaged or crossing growth—avoid heavy cuts that can stress the tree.
Tawapou is generally a robust tree and resistant to most common pests. However, like many native trees, it can occasionally be susceptible to generalist pests if under stress.
To prevent diseases, ensure Tawapou is planted in well-drained soil and has good air circulation. Avoid overwatering, especially in cooler months. Remove any diseased plant material promptly to prevent spread.
These native plants share similar growing conditions and create beautiful, sustainable landscapes. Consider combining them in your garden design for a cohesive native plant collection.
Tawapou's natural habitat includes coastal forests, cliffs, and rocky headlands in the northern North Island of New Zealand. It thrives in exposed, salt-laden conditions, demonstrating its remarkable adaptation to harsh maritime environments.
Tawapou is an integral part of New Zealand's coastal ecology, often found growing alongside other iconic coastal species such as pohutukawa ( Metrosideros excelsa ) and karaka ( Corynocarpus laevigatus ). Its presence contributes to the unique biodiversity and resilience of these exposed environments.
In New Zealand, Tawapou ( Planchonella costata ) is not currently considered threatened. However, on Norfolk Island, it is listed as endangered. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural coastal habitats and promoting its cultivation to ensure its long-term survival.
Successful cultivation of Tawapou requires understanding its specific needs regarding soil, water, light, and climate. These requirements are tailored to its natural coastal habitat, ensuring optimal growth and health in a garden setting.
Tawapou is an excellent choice for coastal landscaping, large gardens, and restoration projects in frost-free areas. Its attractive glossy foliage, robust nature, and tolerance to harsh coastal conditions make it a valuable specimen tree. It can be used as a windbreak or a feature plant, contributing to biodiversity and aesthetic appeal.
Tawapou plays a vital ecological role in coastal ecosystems. Its fleshy berries are a significant food source for native birds, particularly the kererū (New Zealand pigeon), aiding in seed dispersal. As a long-lived tree, it provides habitat and shelter for various coastal fauna.
Tawapou ( Planchonella costata ) is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It features glossy, dark green, leathery leaves with prominent veins. Small, inconspicuous green to yellow-green flowers are produced in summer, followed by large, fleshy berries that ripen from green to orange to a very dark red or purple-black. These berries contain hard, shiny seeds.
Proper planting techniques are crucial for the successful establishment of Tawapou. Taking time to prepare the site and follow best practices will help ensure the tree thrives in its new coastal environment.
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, especially in exposed coastal areas.
Tawapou (Planchonella costata) has cultural and ecological significance in Aotearoa New Zealand. It supports native biodiversity, contributes to habitat structure, and is valued in restoration and garden plantings. Within mātauranga Māori, native plants like this help sustain the health of the ngahere (forest) and local ecosystems.
