Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as houpara, is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand, specifically the coastal forests, scrublands, and cliff areas of the Three Kings Islands and the North Island. It is a member of the Araliaceae family and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The tree features stout branches with crowded, glossy green leaves towards the tips, which are palmate with 3-5 leaflets. Houpara is notable for its architectural form and can produce small, inconspicuous flowers followed by purple-black berries that are attractive to birds.

Houpara is valued for its lush foliage and is often used in New Zealand gardens for its ornamental qualities. It thrives in mild, moist conditions, preferring a sheltered position with well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. The cultivar ’Gold Splash’ has variegated leaves that provide visual interest, while ’Nigra’ features darker foliage. Houpara is relatively low maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. It is also used in coastal revegetation projects due to its tolerance of salt spray and wind.CC BY-SA 4.0