Melicytus chathamicus

Melicytus chathamicus Details

Melicytus chathamicus is a NZ native shrub grown for its attractive foliage and berries. The glossy foliage is lush and dark green with a serrated edge. The plants are either male or female, and it is only the female plants that produce berries. The purple berries produced from spring until autumn are great for attracting birds. It grows densely with a somewhat narrow habit to about 6 m tall and 3 m wide and responds well to trimming which encourages new growth. Best results with this plant are achieved when it is grown in full or partial shade on a well-drained site. It tolerates moderate frost, short periods of dry, and coastal environments. Melicytus chathamicus is commonly included in a mixed planting, used in revegetation plantings, grown to attract birds, used as an attractive backdrop for smaller plants, maintained as a hedge, or planted for screening.