<i>Pseudowintera axillaris</i>(Pseudowintera axillaris) hero image

Lowland Horopito

Pseudowintera axillaris

Not specified

This native plant, known as Lowland Horopito (scientific name: Pseudowintera axillaris ), is a remarkable species endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its unique features, ecological role, and cultural significance. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its care, propagation, and importance within the New Zealand ecosystem. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for Browse All .

<i>Pseudowintera axillaris</i>(Pseudowintera axillaris) showing <i>Pseudowintera axillaris</i>growth habit
Image credit: Lowland Horopito ( Pseudowintera axillaris ) - Photo via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Identification and Physical Characteristics

Lowland Horopito ( Pseudowintera axillaris ) is a shrub or small tree endemic to New Zealand Discover more about native ferns. It can grow up to 7-8 meters tall with upright trunks and branches, and dark bark and branchlets. The plant is glabrous, meaning it is hairless. Its leaves are a distinguishing feature: they are alternate, pungent, glossy, and dark green to yellowish-green on the upper surface, typically without blemishes or blotches. The undersides are pale to glaucous but not white, with a pale, conspicuous midvein. Adult leaves measure 6-10 cm long by 3-6 cm wide, with smooth or undulate margins and slender, dark reddish-brown petioles about 2 cm long. Juvenile leaves have distinctive white, net-like secondary veins on their upper surface. When chewed, the leaves have a slight, pleasant peppery taste, which helps deter grazing insects. The flowers are bisexual, greenish-yellow, and approximately 1 cm in diameter. They appear in axillary clusters of 1-5 (sometimes up to 10) on slender pedicels 5-10 mm long. The corolla consists of 5-6 free petals, each 5-6 mm long, narrow-oblong to narrow-obovate, with an obtuse apex. The plant produces fleshy, globose to subglobose berries, 5-6 mm in diameter, which are orange to orange-red when ripe and contain 3-6 seeds.

Quick Facts

Pseudowintera axillaris quick facts
Scientific Name Pseudowintera axillaris
Height 15-20 m
Spread 3-5 m
Water Needs Moderate
Light Full sun to part shade
Frost Tolerance Moderate
Salt Tolerance Moderate
Growth Rate Medium
Lifespan Long

Climate Best Suited to

Pseudowintera axillaris is well adapted to various New Zealand regions.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Pseudowintera axillaris
City Climate Suitability
Auckland High
Wellington High
Christchurch Medium

Plant Habitat

Natural Occurrence and Ecology

Lowland Horopito ( Pseudowintera axillaris ) is a shrub-like tree endemic to New Zealand, found in both the North and South Islands. Its natural habitat primarily consists of lowland and lower montane forests, where it thrives in shaded, damp, and cold locations.Lowland and Lower Montane Forests:It is a common component of these forest types, typically growing up to about 700 meters in elevation, though it has been recorded at 1000 meters.Shaded and Damp Locations: Pseudowintera axillaris is a shade-loving plant, preferring damp and cold locations within these forests. This distinguishes it from its close relative,Pseudowintera colorata, which prefers areas with higher light.Specific Distribution:Its range extends from Kaitaia in the north down to the Marlborough Sounds and the northwest of the South Island. It is particularly common just south of Auckland, especially in the Waitākere region.The presence of Pseudowintera axillaris in these specific habitats underscores its ecological importance in contributing to the biodiversity and structural complexity of New Zealand's native forest understories.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

  • Well-drained
  • Loamy

Light Requirements

Grows best in partial to full sun.

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade

Water Requirements

Requires regular watering during dry periods.

  • Regular
  • Drought tolerant once established

Planting and Establishing

Establishment Guidance

Plant Pseudowintera axillaris in a hole twice the width of the root ball.

Proper establishment is key to long-term success. Ensure the planting hole is twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with a mix of native soil and organic compost. Initial watering should be thorough, followed by regular monitoring during the first two growing seasons to ensure the plant becomes well-anchored and resilient to local climate fluctuations.

Ecological Role

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impact

Provides habitat and food for native fauna.

This species plays a vital role in its local ecosystem, providing essential habitat and food sources for native biodiversity. Its presence supports complex ecological interactions, contributing to the overall health and stability of the environment. By planting this native, you help maintain the intricate web of life that defines New Zealand's unique natural heritage.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Ideal for rock gardens and native borders.

  • Rock gardens
  • Ground cover

Ecological Value

Supports local pollinators.

  • Birds
  • Insects

The versatility of this plant makes it a valuable addition to many New Zealand gardens. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it offers practical benefits such as soil stabilization and shelter for smaller plants. Its historical and modern uses highlight its enduring importance in both traditional practices and contemporary landscape design, making it a thoughtful choice for any restoration or gardening project.

Landscaping Uses

Adds texture and form to modern landscapes.

In a landscape setting, this plant provides excellent structure and year-round interest. Its unique form and foliage can be used to create focal points or as a cohesive element in a larger native planting scheme. It pairs well with other New Zealand natives, allowing for the creation of diverse and resilient garden environments that reflect the natural beauty of Aotearoa.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

Mulch and apply balanced fertilizer.

  • Fertilize
  • Mulch

Summer

Water deeply during dry spells.

  • Water
  • Check for pests

Autumn

Tidy up any dead foliage.

  • Prune lightly
  • Plant new specimens

Winter

Protect from heavy frosts if necessary.

  • Frost protection

When to Prune and How Much

Minimal pruning required to maintain shape.

  • Remove dead branches

Always use clean, sharp tools.

Regular maintenance through careful pruning ensures the plant remains healthy and maintains its desired shape. Focus on removing dead or diseased wood to promote better air circulation and prevent the spread of pathogens. Proper pruning techniques help the plant direct its energy toward new growth, resulting in a more robust and aesthetically pleasing specimen in your garden.

How to Grow Lowland Horopito

Cultivating Pseudowintera axillaris ( Pseudowintera axillaris ) is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener interested in New Zealand's unique flora. This species can be propagated through several methods, each requiring specific conditions to ensure healthy growth and establishment. Successful propagation depends on mimicking the plant's natural environment and providing consistent care during the early stages of development.

From Seed

Propagation from seed is often the most effective way to produce a large number of Pseudowintera axillaris plants. Seeds should be collected when they are fully mature. Freshly collected seeds generally have higher germination rates than those that have been stored for long periods.

Sow fresh seeds in a seed-raising mix.

  1. Collect seeds
  2. Sow in trays

Keep moist until germination.

From Cuttings

For those wishing to replicate specific characteristics of a parent plant, vegetative propagation via cuttings is the preferred method. This technique ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the source. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the appropriate season usually yield the best results for this species.

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

  1. Take cuttings
  2. Use rooting hormone

Additional Methods

Depending on the growth habit of Pseudowintera axillaris , other methods such as division or layering might also be viable options. Division is particularly suitable for plants that form dense clumps or have spreading root systems, while layering can be used for species with trailing or flexible stems.

Division can be done in early spring.

  1. Divide clumps
  2. Replant immediately

Pests & Diseases

Generally resistant to major pests.

While generally resilient, maintaining optimal growing conditions is the best defense against pests and diseases. Regular monitoring allows for early detection of any issues, which can often be managed through cultural practices or organic interventions. Ensuring good air circulation and appropriate watering will significantly reduce the plant's susceptibility to common environmental stresses and pathogens.

Cultural Significance

Horopito's pungent leaves have long been used in rongoā Māori and now feature in modern "bush pepper" cuisine. Including it in māra rongoā highlights native spice and healing traditions. Pseudowintera axillaris , also known as lowland horopito, holds cultural significance primarily among Māori and early European settlers in New Zealand. Māori traditionally used the leaves of Pseudowintera axillaris (and the closely relatedP. colorata) to create a decoction for various ailments, including as a stimulant, for stomach aches, and for skin and venereal diseases. Bruised leaves steeped in water were applied to the skin, and an internal decoction was known as "Māori painkiller" or "bushman's painkiller" for stomach aches. Chewed leaves were also used for toothaches. Early European settlers adopted some of these uses, employing the bark as a quinine substitute and the sap to treat skin diseases and gonorrhea. Māori also held a spiritual belief that the leaves of horopito were worn by the souls of the dead on their journey to and within the afterlife. The dark-red wood from Pseudowintera species has been utilized by woodworkers for decorative items such as carvings and inlaying. While the spicy flavor of the leaves was known to Māori, it's unclear if it was actively used in cooking. However, it was used for other purposes, including weaning children off breastfeeding due to its peppery taste.

  • Traditional medicine
  • Crafts

Bonus Tip

Excellent for low-maintenance gardens.

For an extra boost, consider applying a thin layer of high-quality organic mulch around the base of the plant. This helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually improves soil structure as it breaks down. This simple step can make a significant difference in the plant's overall vigor and resilience, especially during periods of extreme weather.

Plant Conservation

Conservation Status

Pseudowintera axillaris , commonly known as lowland horopito or lowland pepper tree, is a plant species endemic to New Zealand. It is currently classified as "Not Threatened" by the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS), a status it has held in assessments from 2004, 2009, 2012, and 2017. Its pungent, peppery taste deters most herbivorous animals and insects, contributing to its stable population. Despite its "Not Threatened" status, Pseudowintera axillaris faces some ecological challenges: invasive species like Griselinia lucida can compete for resources, the parasitic plantDactylanthus taylorii can exploit its roots, and possums are known to damage native forests by consuming leaves, buds, and fruits. There is also a need for further research into its propagation techniques, as information on its viability, germination, and vegetative propagation is limited, and the species exhibits high rates of self-sterility.