Dysoxylum spectabile
(G. Forst.) Hook. f.
Kohe, Wahahe, Kohekohe
(c) Michael Berardozzi, some rights reserved (CC BY)
(c) Michael Berardozzi, some rights reserved (CC BY)
(c) Michael Berardozzi, some rights reserved (CC BY)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Leaves
No edible uses are known.
Where to Find It
It grows in lowland and coastal regions in New Zealand. It is mostly in damp locations. It is best in deep, moist loam soils. It needs a protected, sunny position. It is resistant to frost and damaged by drought.
Australia, New Zealand*,
How to Identify
A tree with a stout column like trunk. It grows about 8 m high. The crown is rounded. The leaves are large and glossy. They have leaflets along the stalk. The flowers are greenish-white and waxy and hang in droops. They grow on the trunks and branches. They can be 30 cm long. The fruit capsule has 3-4 cells. They are 2.5 cm across. It opens after 15 months to reveal 2 seeds in a fleshy red aril.
How to Grow
Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate easily.
Propagation: Propagated by seed.
Medicinal Uses
The bitter-tasting leaves are used as a tonic.
Other Uses
The wood is light, soft, and fairly durable, and is used for cabinet work.
Wikipedia
Source ↗Dysoxylum spectabile is a hermaphroditic tree species. It grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soils. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil conditions.
Production
It is fast growing.
References (6)
- Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 367
- Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 154
- Handb. N. Zeal. fl. 41. 1864
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 284
- Matthews, J., 1987, New Zealand Native Plants for your Garden. Pacific Publishers, p 46
- Salmon, J.T., 1989, The Native Trees of New Zealand. Heinmann Reid p 240
