Hedycarya

Pigeonwood And Hedycarya Angustifolia – Best In Trees In NZ!

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

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• They can provide shelter and screening.
• 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 Hedycarya angustifolia and pigeon wood trees, and we have the right one for your space. Our Pigeonwoods been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and 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 Hedycarya, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Hedycarya And Pigeonwood Questions

1. How do you grow Pigeonwood

To grow hedycarpa, also known as Pigeonwood, here are a few tips:

1. Hedycarpa prefers a sheltered spot with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can also tolerate some frost, but it is important to protect young plants.
2. Trees will benefit from having compost or other organic matter added to the soil before planting. If the soil is heavy clay, you may want to add some sand or grit to improve drainage.
3. Water and feed your plant. It will grow best if watered regularly, especially during hot weather. Feeding once every 2-3 months during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser will also encourage your tree to grow.
4. Mulching around the base of the Hedycarpa with compost or other organic matter will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Hedycarpa does not require a lot of pruning, but you can prune it as needed to control its size and shape.

2. Are there male and female pigeonwoods?

Hedycarpa is a dioecious plant, meaning that there are male and female plants. You need at least one male and one female plant in order to produce fruit. Importantly, the fruit is a favourite food of the kereru (wood pigeon).

3. Is Pigeonwood fast growing?

Hedycarpa is slow-growing when young, but it will eventually reach a height of 5-10 metres.

4. How big are pigeonwood fruit?

Pigeonwood fruit are quite small, typically around 1 cm long and oval-shaped. They're about the size of a large cherry or olive. Some sources mention a range of 10-15mm or even up to 16mm length, but generally they're quite petite. These bright orange berries grow in clusters on the pigeonwood tree, a small upright tree native to New Zealand. They're a favorite food of the kereru, a large native pigeon, and hence the tree's common name.

5. What is the scientific name for the pigeonwood tree?

The scientific name for the pigeonwood tree is Hedycarya arborea. It's also known by its Māori names "porokaiwhiri" and "poporokaiwhiri". It's an endemic tree found in both the North and South islands of New Zealand.

6. Can you eat pigeonwood berries?

While the bright orange berries of the pigeonwood tree might look tempting, it's important to know that they are NOT safe for human consumption. Although they are a favourite food source for native birds like the kereru, humans can become poisoned if they eat them. The leaves and other parts of the pigeonwood tree also contain unidentified alkaloids that can be harmful, so it's best to avoid any contact with the plant altogether.

Here's what you need to know about the toxicity of pigeonwood berries:

• Toxicity: The berries contain unidentified alkaloids that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, they can lead to liver damage and even death.
• Safety precautions: It's crucial to keep children and pets away from the pigeonwood tree, especially during fruiting season. If you suspect someone has ingested any part of the plant, seek medical attention immediately.
• Alternatives: If you're looking for edible berries, there are plenty of safe options available in New Zealand, such as kawakawa, ngaio, and titoki.

It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to unfamiliar plants. So, while the pigeonwood tree is a beautiful and important part of the New Zealand ecosystem, its berries are best left for the birds.