Corynocarpus laevigatus

Karaka, New Zealand laurel

Corynocarpus laevigatus, commonly known as karaka, is a handsome canopy tree found in coastal forests of the North Island and, less commonly, the South Island. The oblong leaves are large, leathery and a glossy dark green. They offset the oval orange drupes that ripen in autumn. Fallen fruit emits a rather unpleasant odour as it rots and this, together with the fact that the kernels are poisonous, should be considered when a planting site is chosen.

Karaka grows into a well foliaged upright tree of 5-15m. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions including sea breezes but may need frost protection when young. Suitable for growing in a container.

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Habitat:
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Suits temperate conditions.
Suits coastal conditions.

Sunlight:
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Prefers full sun.

Application:
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Use in single specimen amenity plantings.
Use in revegetation plantings.

Size:
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Mature: diameter 8m x height 12m
Planting centres: 3m

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