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chatham island akeake

Chatham Island akeake is a remarkable native tree that hails from the remote and wild Chatham Islands of New Zealand. Renowned for its resilience and unique appearance, this versatile evergreen brings both beauty and hardiness to coastal and inland gardens alike. If you’re seeking a tree that combines attractive silver-green foliage, excellent wind tolerance, and minimal maintenance, Chatham Island akeake might be the perfect addition to your landscape. As interest in native planting, permaculture, and nature restoration grows, more Kiwi gardeners are discovering the value of this special species.

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

5 from 1 customers

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is adorned with masses of small, pink flowers in summer as it grows to 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide.

From $13.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Olearia traversii plant with white flowers and green foliage.

Olearia traversii

5 from 1 customers

Olearia traversii, commonly known as Chatham Island Ake Ake, is a hardy New Zealand native tree valued for its upright form and resilience. This evergreen produces glossy green leaves with silvery undersides and small daisy like flowers in summer.

From $102.84

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.
Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

From$270.40
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$24.15
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' (Dwarf Karo)

Pittosporum ‘Stephens Island’ is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth and attractive grey-green foliage. A hardy New...

From$22.01
Hedera canariensis growing on a wall with green foliage.
Hedera canariensis

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth...

From$17.95
Olearia traversiorum olive-green foliage.
Olearia traversiorum (Hakapiri)

Olearia traversiorum, also known as Hakapiri or Chatham Island Ake Ake, is a tough and fast growing NZ native tree. This evergreen species has dense...

OUT OF STOCK
Large Astelia chathamica in a garden with silver flax-like leaves.
Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia)

Astelia chathamica, commonly known as the Chatham Island Astelia or Kakaha, produces broad, erect, silver-green leaves. The leaves are held with a...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis 'Chatham Islands' nikau palm tree.
Rhopalostylis sapida Chatham Islands (Nīkau)

Rhopalostylis sapida 'Chatham Islands' is a striking form of the iconic New Zealand Nikau Palm, naturally found on the Chatham Islands. This variety...

OUT OF STOCK
Lophomyrtus traversii plant.
Lophomyrtus traversii

Lophomyrtus traversii is a rare and attractive NZ native shrub or small tree valued for its dense branching, small glossy foliage, and hardy growth...

OUT OF STOCK
Myosotidium hortensia alba large, white flower and dark green foliage.
Myosotidium hortensia alba

Myosotidium hortensia 'Alba', commonly known as White Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not, is a rare native New Zealand perennial growing up to 60 cm tall...

OUT OF STOCK
Aciphylla dieffenbachii plants with green flowers.
Aciphylla dieffenbachii (Chatham Island Aciphylla)

Aciphylla dieffenbachii is a striking NZ native perennial valued for its bold, spiky foliage and strong architectural presence. This evergreen plant...

OUT OF STOCK
Geranium traversii plant with pink flowers and green foliage.
Geranium traversii (Chatham Island Geranium)

Geranium traversii, commonly known as the Chatham Island Geranium, is a compact, hardy New Zealand native prized for its soft, grey-green foliage and...

OUT OF STOCK
Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Forget Me Not) plant with lush green foliage and stunning blue flowers.
Myosotidium hortensia (Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not)

Myosotidium hortensia, commonly known as the Chatham Island Forget-Me-Not, is a distinctive and recognisable NZ native. The plants have large...

OUT OF STOCK
Brachyglottis huntii plant with yellow flowers.
Brachyglottis huntii (Rautini)

Brachyglottis huntii, commonly known as Rautini, is a rare and striking NZ native shrub or small tree admired for its large, silvery white leaves and...

OUT OF STOCK
Myrsine chathamica shrub.
Myrsine chathamica

Myrsine chathamica, commonly known as Chatham Island Matipo, is a hardy NZ native shrub or small tree found naturally on the Chatham Islands. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Melicytus chathamicus tree with lush green foliage.
Melicytus chathamicus (Chatham Island Mahoe)

Melicytus chathamicus, commonly known as the Mahoe Tree, is a hardy NZ native species that delivers both resilience and beauty to the garden. With...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex chathamica grass in a pot with green foliage and purple-red flowers.
Carex chathamica (Chatham Sedge)

Carex chathamica, commonly known as Chatham Sedge, is a NZ native grass commonly found in swampy areas. It features slender foliage which is dark...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis cheesmanii specimen palms.
Rhopalostylis cheesmanii

Rhopalostylis cheesmanii, commonly known as the Kermadec Nikau, is a rare and beautiful palm native to the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Araucaria heterophylla tree growing with elegant form.
Araucaria heterophylla

Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Pine) is an iconic evergreen conifer admired for its symmetrical form, layered branches, and soft green foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Metrosideros thomasii shrub with red flowers and lush,green foliage.
Metrosideros thomasii

Metrosideros thomasii is a rare and distinctive New Zealand native shrub valued for its compact habit, glossy evergreen foliage, and bright red...

OUT OF STOCK
Neomyrtus pedunculata tree with masses of orange berries.
Neomyrtus pedunculata (Rōhutu)

Neomyrtus pedunculata, commonly known as Rōhutu, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand, found from Northland to Stewart Island...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex trifida grass plants with blue-green foliage and brown flower heads.
Carex trifida

Carex trifida, commonly known as Mutton Bird Sedge, is a bold New Zealand native sedge valued for its large, arching, dark green foliage. Naturally...

OUT OF STOCK
rhopalostylis-pitt-island-1
Rhopalostylis Pitt Island (Pitt Island Nikau Palm)

Rhopalostylis Pitt Island, commonly known as The Pitt Island Nikau, is one of the hardier Nikau Palm varieties. From a central trunk it produces...

OUT OF STOCK
Myrsine divaricata 'Poor Knights' shrubs for sale with fine, green foliage.
Myrsine divaricata 'Poor Knights'

Myrsine divaricata 'Poor Knights' is a unique NZ native shrub renowned for its fine weeping branches and graceful form. This evergreen variety is...

OUT OF STOCK
Dendroseris litoralis tree with an orange flower.
Dendroseris litoralis

Dendroseris litoralis is a rare and highly distinctive evergreen plant admired for its bold tropical foliage and unusual architectural form. Native...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis 'Great Barrier' palms with lush, green foliage for sale.
Rhopalostylis sapida Great Barrier (Nikau Palm Tree)

Rhopalostylis sapida 'Great Barrier' is a striking native palm valued for its thick trunk glossy green fronds and robust form. Selected from Great...

OUT OF STOCK
rhopalostylis-norfolk-island-
Rhopalostylis baueri 'Norfolk Island'

Rhopalostylis baueri 'Norfolk Island' is an elegant feather palm with a smooth grey trunk and a lush crown of arching deep green fronds. Native to...

OUT OF STOCK
A large Xeronema callistemon (Poor Knights Lily) plant with a fantastic red flower.
Xeronema callistemon (Poor Knights Lily)

Xeronema callistemon, commonly known as Poor Knights Lily, is a rare and spectacular plant native to New Zealand’s Poor Knights Islands. It features...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhopalostylis baueri palm tree in a native reserve.
Rhopalostylis baueri (Nikau Palm Tree)

Rhopalostylis baueri is a graceful palm valued for its smooth trunk elegant crownshaft and arching deep green fronds. Native to Norfolk Island, it is...

OUT OF STOCK
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Arthropodium, Astelia, and Dodonaea, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Flaxes, and Perennials.

Search chatham island akeake

What is Chatham Island Akeake?

Chatham Island akeake is commonly known in botanical circles as Olearia traversii, or Chatham Island tree daisy. Its upright, tidy form and quick growth make it a favourite for shelterbelts, coastal screens, and as a feature tree. Mature Chatham Island akeake develop gracefully twisted trunks and branches, while their dense foliage provides shelter and year-round colour. Their adaptability means they thrive not only in exposed coastal sites but also in urban gardens needing structure and privacy. If you’re curious about its close relative, explore Olearia traversii for more details.

Growing Conditions and Care

Chatham Island akeake is exceptionally tolerant of wind, salt spray, drought, and poor soils—a true survivor adapted to the harsh Chatham Island climate. Once established, it needs very little water and won’t fuss about soil type. For best results, plant in full sun or partial shade, and consider pairing with other hardy natives for a resilient garden display. This makes Chatham Island akeake ideal for coastal properties, shelter planting, and exposed rural locations. Minimal pruning is required, but you can trim to shape if desired.

Ecological and Garden Uses

Beyond its toughness, Chatham Island akeake is valued for its role in habitat restoration and attracting native wildlife. The trees offer important cover and nesting sites for birds, enhancing local biodiversity in both urban and rural spaces. Their lush, silvery foliage also provides textural contrast—the perfect complement to bold flax or palm plantings. For a similar effect, consider its cousin, Olearia traversiorum (Hakapiri), or mix with other Chatham Island natives like Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia) and Rhopalostylis sapida Chatham Islands (Nīkau).

Companion Planting Ideas

Because Chatham Island akeake tolerates exposed sites, it works brilliantly as a backbone for native garden designs. Create layered plantings with contrasting foliage by pairing with Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush) for deep burgundy hues, and Astelia chathamica (Chatham Island Astelia) for striking silvery texture. These combinations not only protect less-hardy plants but provide year-round interest, shelter, and a strong sense of place.

Where to Get Chatham Island Akeake

If you’re inspired to add the distinctive Chatham Island akeake to your garden, our nursery offers healthy plants ready for your next landscaping or revegetation project. Explore our full range of native trees, and discover even more ways to enrich your outdoor space with New Zealand’s resilient and beautiful flora.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin' are tried and true, but new favourites like Metrosideros 'Maori Princess', Ficus 'Ruby', and Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum) are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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