Sign In 
Get Premium Pokaka
(Elaeocarpus hookerianus)
Pokaka (Elaeocarpus hookerianus)
/
/
Christopher Stephens
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Christopher Stephens
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Christopher Stephens | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Christopher Stephens | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-02T15:12:32-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Elaeocarpus hookerianus, commonly known as Pokaka, is an evergreen tree native to the temperate rainforests of New Zealand, particularly on the North, South, and Stewart Islands. It typically grows to a height of 30-45 feet (9-14 meters) and a width of 30-40 feet (9-12 meters), featuring a straight trunk with smooth, mottled bark. The leaves are glossy green with serrated margins, and the tree produces small, white, bell-shaped flowers that are subtly fragrant and appear in clusters in the spring and summer. These flowers are followed by blue-black drupes that are attractive to birds.
Pokaka is valued for its elegant form and the contrast between its dark green foliage and white flowers. It is suitable for use in urban settings, large gardens, and as a specimen tree. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Pokaka prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While it is not commonly affected by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but as with all non-native plantings, care should be taken to monitor its growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Pokaka is valued for its elegant form and the contrast between its dark green foliage and white flowers. It is suitable for use in urban settings, large gardens, and as a specimen tree. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Pokaka prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While it is not commonly affected by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range, but as with all non-native plantings, care should be taken to monitor its growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 30-45 feet
- Width: 30-40 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Temperate rainforests of New Zealand, particularly on the North, South, and Stewart Islands
Other Names
Common Names: Pōkākā
Scientific Names: , Elaeocarpus hookerianus, Cassine hookeriana,
GBIF Accepted Name: Elaeocarpus hookerianus Raoul