Pseudopanax arboreus

Pseudopanax arboreus Details

Pseudopanax arboreus (aka Neopanax arboreus), commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku, is a NZ native tree grown for its distinctive and showy foliage. The glossy, dark green leaves are divided into distinct leaflets and are held with a lush appeal. The foliage becomes adorned with clusters of tiny white flowers during winter which result in purple-black berries in summer that attract birds. This tree grows quickly and will reach 5 m high and 2 m wide but can easily be contained with trimming. It grows best when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site, though it will tolerate coastal conditions, frost, shade, and poor soils. Pseudopanax arboreus is a versatile plant that is often used in native revegetation projects, planted for screening and shelter, included in a mixed planting, or planted to attract birds.