Five Finger
Pseudopanax ferox
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Pseudopanax ferox , toothed lancewood, has dramatic serrated juvenile leaves and later develops a broader adult crown. It thrives in sun to part shade on free-draining soils and is highly ornamental.
Identification
Juvenile leaves long, narrow and coarsely toothed; adult foliage broader. Small umbels of flowers followed by purple-black berries. Compare with P. crassifolius which has less pronounced teeth.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Pseudopanax ferox |
|---|---|
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Form | Small tree; dramatic juvenile-adult shift |
| Height | 2-8 m (varies with site) |
| Spread | Clump-forming to 40-60 cm |
| Water Needs | Moderate; avoid waterlogging |
| Light | Bright shade to dappled light |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
| Lifespan | Annual |
Climate Suitability
Content for Pseudopanax ferox ( Pseudopanax ferox ).
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Suitable |
| Auckland | Suitable |
| Hamilton | Suitable |
| Tauranga | Suitable |
| Rotorua | Suitable |
| Gisborne | Suitable |
| New Plymouth | Suitable |
| Napier | Suitable |
| Whanganui | Suitable |
| Palmerston North | Suitable |
| Wellington | Suitable |
| Nelson | Suitable |
| Christchurch | Suitable |
| Dunedin | Suitable |
| Invercargill | Suitable |
Habitat
Natural Distribution
occurs in natural habitats characteristic of Aotearoa, forming part of distinctive plant communities where site stress and local disturbance shape vegetation patterns. On the coast it occupies sunny, wind‑prone sites with sandy or rocky substrates, where salt‑laden air and periodic drought limit competition. These preferences explain its patchy distribution and sensitivity to changes in hydrology, competition and disturbance regimes. Pseudopanax ferox
Conservation Status
Current Threats and Protection
are influenced by land use, browsing and weeds. Protecting intact habitat mosaics, reducing browser pressure, and managing invasive plants sustain recruitment. Where local stands are small or isolated, eco‑sourced augmentation and careful site stewardship help secure long‑term viability. Pseudopanax ferox Populations of
How to Grow
Cultivation Requirements
Plant in sun to part shade and free-draining soils. Water to establish; generally drought tolerant thereafter. Minimal pruning is needed beyond removing damaged fronds.
Planting Guide
Best Planting Practices
Plant in the cool, moist months into weed‑free ground. Set plants slightly proud of the surrounding soil, water to settle, and mulch with coarse gravel or woodchips while keeping the stem base clear. Grouping two to three plants replicates natural patterns and improves establishment under local conditions.
Ecology
contributes structure and seasonal resources where it grows, providing cover and habitat for invertebrates and, when flowering or fruiting, nectar, pollen or seed for fauna. By tolerating the stresses of its environment, it helps stabilise sites and enrich small‑scale habitat diversity. Pseudopanax ferox
Uses
Traditional and Modern Applications
Ideal for rock and gravel gardens that emulate alpine processes, or for specialised collections. Suited to sunny, maritime gardens with sandy or rocky soils where wind and salt are considerations.
Landscaping Ideas
Combine with compatible natives to echo its natural associates, and use stony or leaf‑litter mulches to reinforce the intended microclimate. Avoid cramped beds; allow room for the plant’s mature form to read as a clear structural element.
Seasonal Care
Year-Round Maintenance
Spring: check ties and remove winter damage. Summer: water deeply but infrequently to promote deep roots. Autumn: refresh mulches and reduce irrigation as growth slows. Winter: ensure drainage and exposure are maintained, especially on heavy soils.
Pruning
Pruning Techniques
Little pruning is required; remove dead or crossing material after flowering and avoid hard renovation cuts. Light tip‑pruning maintains compact form without compromising the plant’s natural character.
How to Grow Five Finger
From Seed
Propagation of Pseudopanax ferox from fresh seed is a common method. Collect seeds from ripe berries in late autumn or early winter, once they turn purple-black. Clean the fleshy pulp from the seeds thoroughly. Sow fresh, cleaned seeds in late winter to spring onto a well-drained, free-draining seed-raising mix, lightly covering them. Maintain consistent moisture and grow on in high light with good air circulation. Germination can be erratic and slow, often taking several weeks to months. Once seedlings are robust enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a sheltered, bright location until strong enough for planting out.
From Cuttings
Pseudopanax ferox can be successfully propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer to early autumn. Select healthy, firm stem segments, about 10-15 cm long, from the current season's growth. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Insert the cuttings into a gritty, sterile, free-draining rooting medium such as a mix of sand and perlite. Provide gentle bottom heat (around 18-24°C or 65-75°F) and high humidity around the cuttings, either by placing them in a propagation chamber or covering them with a plastic bag. Keep in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Rooting typically occurs reliably within 8-16 weeks. Once rooted, gradually acclimatize plants to ambient conditions before potting up.
General Cultivation
Toothed Lancewood (Pseudopanax ferox) is a highly ornamental small tree that thrives in sun to part shade and free-draining soils. It provides dramatic architectural interest in mixed native plantings, particularly during its distinct juvenile phase. Plant in the cool, moist months into weed-free ground. Water regularly during establishment; it is generally drought tolerant thereafter. Minimal pruning is needed beyond removing damaged fronds or to maintain its form. Protecting young plants from browsing where deer, goats or rabbits are present is also important. Mulch with coarse gravel or woodchips while keeping the stem base clear. Grouping two to three plants replicates natural patterns and improves establishment under local conditions.
Pests and Diseases
Common Problems and Solutions
Good siting prevents most problems-sharp drainage and appropriate exposure are key. Protect young plants from browsing where deer, goats or rabbits are present.
Cultural Significance
Pseudopanax ferox, the toothed lancewood, holds cultural significance primarily through its striking, evolutionarily unique juvenile form. This dramatic growth habit is theorized to have evolved as a defense mechanism against browsing by extinct giant moa, making it a living emblem of New Zealand's ancient ecological past and a symbol of its distinct flora.
Bonus Tip
Expert Growing Advice
To fully appreciate the dramatic juvenile form of Pseudopanax ferox, position it in a location where its unique downward-pointing, heavily toothed leaves can be clearly seen, such as near a path or as a specimen plant. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering for optimal health.
