kaikōmako
about.
Pennantia corymbosa | kaikōmako
This attractive, hardy evergreen starts as a slender, divaricating juvenile before maturing into an elegant small tree with glossy, larger leaves and fragrant white flowers. It produces black fruit that strongly attracts birds, especially bellbirds. While shade-tolerant, its divaricating young form creates a unique, somewhat unstructured look enhanced by small, irregularly toothed leaves and a soft, shaggy appearance. The creamy white summer flowers add a refreshing, sweet scent. Ideal as a feature tree or in group plantings, this native offers year-round interest.
typical habitat.
lowland forest
streamsides
forest margins
coastal forest
drainage.
moist
wet
sun.
partial shade
full shade
mature specifications.
height | 12m
width | 3m / 50cm (trunk)
pollinators calendar.
flowering | November - February
fruiting | January - May
did you know?
The Māori name kaikōmako signifies food (kai) for the bellbird (kōmako). Traditionally, Māori employed the tree to create fire by friction, rubbing a pointed stick against a grove in a piece of māhoe.
