Corynocarpus Laevigatus For Sale

Karaka Trees – Best In New Zealand!

Growing colourful NZ-native plants such as Karaka trees in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of NZ-native Karaka plants, and the right one for your space. Our Corynocarpus laevigatus have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Karaka trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry

Corynocarpus laevigatus Questions

1. Are Karaka fast growing?

Karaka trees are fast growing trees and can reach four metres tall in just five years. They are native to NZ and are known for their glossy foliage and orange fruit. The fruit is edible but must be cooked thoroughly before eating.

2. How do you grow a Karaka tree?

To grow a karaka tree, you can start from seed or from a seedling.

From seed:

1. Soak the seeds in water overnight.
2. Plant the seeds in a well-drained potting mix, about 20 mm deep.
3. Water the seeds regularly and keep them in a warm, sunny spot.
4. The seeds should germinate within 1-2 weeks.
5. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, transplant them into individual pots or into the ground.

From a seedling:

1. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
2. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the seedling.
3. Amend the soil in the hole with compost or manure.
4. Place the seedling in the hole and backfill with soil, firming gently to remove any air pockets.
5. Water the seedling thoroughly and mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. How tall does Corynocarpus laevigatus grow?

The height of Corynocarpus laevigatus, also known as Karaka, can vary depending on environmental conditions, but it typically grows up to 15 metres tall. It is a fast-growing tree, and it can reach a height of four metres in just five years.

4. Where are karaka trees found in NZ?

Karaka trees are found in many places as outlined below:

• Native range: Most botanists believe karaka was originally native only to the northern half of the North Island. However, due to its cultural significance and use as a food source, Māori planted it near villages throughout the North and South Islands. This makes its precise indigenous distribution uncertain.
• Current distribution: You can find karaka trees naturally occurring in many coastal areas of both the North and South Islands, as far south as Banks Peninsula and Okarito. It's common on the Three Kings Islands, Raoul Island in the Kermadecs, and the Chatham Islands.
• Habitat: Karaka thrives in coastal situations, often forming a major component of coastal forests. While it rarely dominates, you might also find it inland, especially near remnants of Māori settlements.

5. Did Māori eat karaka berries?

Māori traditionally ate karaka berries, and they were actually a staple food source for many communities! While the raw berries are poisonous due to a toxin called karakin, Māori developed ingenious methods to process them into a safe and nutritious food.

Here's how it worked:

1. Harvesting: The ripe berries, called koroi or kopi, were collected around March to April.
2. Processing: The berries were soaked in water, sometimes for weeks, to leach out the karakin. Water changes were frequent, especially over the first few days.
3. Cooking: After soaking, the berries were steamed, roasted, or baked in an umu (earth oven). This further neutralized the toxins and made the kernels edible.
4. Preserving: The processed kernels, called piko, could be kept for months or even years by drying them in the sun.

Karaka piko were a versatile food. They could be eaten plain, ground into flour, or mixed with other ingredients to make various dishes, including:

• Poka: A porridge made with karaka flour and water.
• Rewena: A fermented pudding made with karaka flour and kumara.
• Kakariki: A type of bread made with karaka flour and fat.
• Whakaruru: A stew made with karaka piko, potatoes, and other vegetables.

The karaka tree itself was also culturally significant for Māori. Its wood was used for building houses, carving weapons and tools, and making canoes. The leaves were used for weaving mats and roofing, and the flowers were valued for their fragrance.

6. How do you plant a karaka tree?

Planting a karaka tree can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to do it right to ensure its success. Here's a guide:

• Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil. They can tolerate partial shade if needs must. Avoid areas with strong winds or frost pockets, as young trees can be damaged.
• Dig the hole about twice the diameter and depth of the pot or root ball. Mix some compost into the bottom of the hole.
• Place the karaka in the hole and ensure the top of the root ball sits slightly above the ground level. Backfill the hole with the mixed soil, gently firming it in to remove air pockets.
• Water the karaka well immediately after planting and continue to water regularly, especially during dry periods. The first year is crucial for establishing the root system, so consistent moisture is essential.
• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• If necessary, use a sturdy stake to provide support for the tree until its roots are established. Be sure to remove the stake after a year or two.
• Young karaka trees can be susceptible to frost and browsing animals. You can wrap the trunk with burlap or mesh in colder climates and protect it from rabbits or deer with fencing or repellents.

7. Are karaka trees native to NZ?

Karaka trees are native to New Zealand. They're a beautiful and culturally significant part of the country's flora, with a fascinating history and unique role in the ecosystem.

Karaka trees belong to the genus Corynocarpus, and all five species within this genus are found only in New Zealand and its surrounding islands like the Kermadecs and Chathams. This means they evolved and exist naturally nowhere else on Earth, making them truly endemic to the region.