Story: Tall broadleaf trees

Karaka tree in berry

Karaka tree in berry

Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus), a hardy tree with large glossy leaves and orange fruits, is found in coastal forests of the North Island and northern South Island, and on the Chatham Islands. Before people arrived in New Zealand, it probably only grew in the northern North Island. Māori cultivated and spread the plant after learning how to make the poisonous fruits edible.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Alastair McLean

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Tall broadleaf trees - Coastal trees', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/13748/karaka-tree-in-berry (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 24 Sep 2007