tawa
foliage palette: yellow-green
fruit & flower palette: dark blue
Beilschmiedia tawa | tawa
A long-lived, evergreen tree noted for its impressive stature. While slow-growing, it eventually becomes a majestic speciment of the forest, with near-black bark and graceful, willowy, pale green leaves. In winter, tawa produces masses of olive-shaped, purple fruits that are a favorite food source for birds, especially kererū. This versatile tree is a popular choice for parks, large gardens, and revegetation projects, adding visual interest and providing sustenance for native birdlife.