Meryta sinclairii 160 litre		Mature Meryta sinclairii		400 litre Meryta sinclairii
Puka foliage

Another iconic New Zealand native with huge glossy green leaves up to 50cm long and 20cm wide. The Puka is a spectacular coastal tree from the Poor Knights Island group where it grows in large groves along with Cordyline australis.

Plant in any well drained soil in a frost-free position in the garden. Occasional pruning for shape encourages fresh new growth.

The Puka is a useful smaller specimen or shade tree for a coastal or tropical garden. It has been used successfully as a street tree in wider berms and can be mass planted for a bold informal screen.

After a visit to the Three Kings Islands in 1890 T. F. Cheeseman (curator of the Auckland Museum) wrote “Few trees have bolder or handsomer foliage, and it might be used with considerable effect in land-scape gardening. It is easy of cultivation, perfectly hardy in the North Island, will bear exposure to the strongest winds, and in good soil makes very rapid growth.” Sentiments still true in 2009!

Click here for our handy Planting guide.