nz puka tree

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

The NZ Puka Tree (Meryta sinclairii) is an iconic evergreen native to New Zealand, celebrated for its lush, tropical appearance and dramatic foliage. With its large, glossy leaves and upright form, the Puka tree makes a bold statement in any garden, coastal landscape, or sheltered courtyard. Renowned for its resilience and architectural beauty, the Puka thrives in temperate climates and is popular among gardeners seeking a unique specimen tree with year-round visual appeal.

Meryta sinclairii

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Meryta sinclairii, commonly known as the Puka Tree or Puka Plant, is a NZ native shrub with a lush and tropical appearance. It bears large and glossy, dark green leaves and grows quickly to about 5 m tall and 4 m wide. Puka are great plants for coastal and tropical gardens and is also commonly used as a backdrop for smaller plants. It is also well suited for screening or for planting around pool or barbecue areas. Meryta sinclairii can also be grown as a potted plant indoors for 2-3 years (or more) before being moved into the garden.

Buy Meryta sinclairii

From $33.68

A Meryta sinclairii (Puka) specimen tree.

Suited to regions:
Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type:
Trees
Height:
5.00 m
Spread:
4.00 m
Tolerances:
Coastal
Garden uses:
Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles:
Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Tropical

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What is the NZ Puka Tree?

The NZ Puka tree, scientifically known as Meryta sinclairii, is a striking plant found naturally on the Three Kings Islands and parts of Northland. This rare native tree is admired for its oversized, paddle-shaped leaves that can reach up to 50cm long. Puka trees typically reach 4 to 8 metres in height, forming a bushy, upright canopy perfect for adding dramatic structure to gardens or providing lush greenery to subtropical plantings. Due to its sculptural leaves and slow-growing habit, the NZ Puka tree is also well-suited for large planters in patios and urban gardens.

Growing and Caring for the NZ Puka Tree

The NZ Puka tree thrives best in warm, frost-free positions with well-draining soil. For optimal growth, plant your Puka in a sheltered site away from harsh winds and heavy frosts. It prefers part shade to full sun and benefits from regular mulching and deep watering, especially during dry periods. This hardy native tolerates coastal conditions, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens in the upper North Island. Apply slow-release fertiliser in spring to keep the foliage lush and vibrant, and prune only to shape or remove any damaged branches.

Landscape Uses and Companion Planting

The sculptural form of the NZ Puka Tree makes it an outstanding focal point in subtropical gardens or as a backdrop for smaller natives. It pairs beautifully with contrasting foliage shapes such as ferns and flaxes. For gardeners seeking a variegated twist, consider adding Meryta sinclairii 'Cream Edge' or the luminous Meryta sinclairii 'Moonlight' to your landscape design. Both cultivars offer unique foliage colouration while maintaining the trademark bold structure.

For further texture and seasonal interest in your garden, you might also consider the sweeping branches of Salix matsudana pendula, the upright yellow-green form of Ulmus hollandica 'Wredei', or the weeping blossoms of Malus Red Jade. Underplanting with natives like Fuchsia excorticata (Tree Fuchsia) or fragrant options such as Backhousia citriodora can add another layer of interest and support local biodiversity.

Why Choose the NZ Puka Tree?

Whether you want a low-maintenance feature tree for a tropical-themed garden or a hardy native for coastal spaces, the NZ Puka tree is a spectacular choice. Its exotic, glossy leaves create instant impact and provide year-round greenery. With its adaptability and sculptural appearance, the NZ Puka tree remains a sought-after favourite among New Zealand gardeners, landscapers, and plant enthusiasts looking to make a lasting impression.

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.