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(Meryta sinclairii)
Puka (Meryta sinclairii)
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Kahuroa
Public domain
Image By:
Kahuroa
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Copyright:
Public domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Kahuroa | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Kahuroa | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Merytasinclairii02.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Flowering heads of ''Metalasia muricata'' near Nature's Valley, South Africa}} |Source ={{own}} |Author =[[User:Paul venter|Paul venter]] |Date =7 December 2012 |Permission = |other_ve... |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Meryta sinclairii, commonly known as Puka, is an evergreen tree native to the coastal forests and offshore islands of the North Island of New Zealand. It typically grows to a height of 12-20 feet and a width of 15-20 feet. Puka has a distinctive appearance with large, glossy, leathery leaves that can be up to a foot long, contributing to its popularity as an ornamental plant. It produces inconspicuous green flowers, which are followed by black berries that are attractive to birds. The flowering season is not particularly showy due to the subtle nature of its blooms.
Puka is valued for its bold foliage and tropical appearance, making it a favored choice for coastal and urban plantings, as well as a striking indoor plant when young. It is notably wind-resistant and tolerates salt spray, making it highly suitable for seaside gardens. Puka can be pruned to maintain size and shape, and it adapts well to container growth. The variegated cultivar ’Moonlight’ offers additional ornamental appeal with its cream and yellow leaves, though it requires more careful cultivation than the species. Puka thrives in full sun to part shade, prefers medium water, and grows best in well-drained soils. It is frost-sensitive, with leaves suffering damage below −2 °C, but can survive in sheltered locations in cooler regions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Puka is valued for its bold foliage and tropical appearance, making it a favored choice for coastal and urban plantings, as well as a striking indoor plant when young. It is notably wind-resistant and tolerates salt spray, making it highly suitable for seaside gardens. Puka can be pruned to maintain size and shape, and it adapts well to container growth. The variegated cultivar ’Moonlight’ offers additional ornamental appeal with its cream and yellow leaves, though it requires more careful cultivation than the species. Puka thrives in full sun to part shade, prefers medium water, and grows best in well-drained soils. It is frost-sensitive, with leaves suffering damage below −2 °C, but can survive in sheltered locations in cooler regions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 12-20 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Coastal forests and offshore islands of the North Island of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: Pukanui
Scientific Names: , Meryta sinclairii, Botryodendrum sinclairii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Meryta sinclairii (Hook.f.) Seem.