karaka

Corynocarpus laevigatus | karaka, kopi

 

IMPORTANT NOTE | The inner kernel of the fruit is posionous and as such responsible planting requires awareness of the and its potential risk to children and animals.

A robust and upright tree crowned with a dense, bushy canopy of large, lustrous green leaves. Spring brings delicate cream-green flowers, followed by the allure of fragrant, fleshy ornamental orange fruit in summer. This evergreen creates a magnificent coastal hedge or a captivating specimen in frost-free environments. Exact indigenous distribution uncertain due to its widespread historic planting by Maori. Most botanists accept it as native only to the northern half of the North Island. Karaka holds significant cultural and historical value for Māori and Moriori, but it is also viewed as an environmental weed outside its natural range due to its capacity to outcompete resident native vegetation and disrupt local ecosystems.

coastal forest

coastal scrub

dry

free draining

well drained

moist

full sun

partial shade

height | 15m

width | 4m / 1m (trunk)

flowering | August - November

fruiting |  January - April

Karaka seeds were historically used as a form of currency by Māori. Karaka berries were historically a valued food source for Māori but they were subjected to a long preparation process to remove the toxin and make them ready to eat while the wood was used for carving and making tools. 

 

It is not recommended you eat the fruit without further reserch on how to ensure they are safe for consumption. The berries are highly toxic to dogs and early treatment is best so anyone who thought their pet may have eaten the berries should call a vet straight away.