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NZ Plants

Corynocarpus laevigatus - karaka

Family: Corynocarpaceae

Corynocarpus laevigatus is a large canopy tree with leathery dark green leaves. The inconspicuous small green flowers give rise to large, fleshy distinctive fruits that turn bright orange when ripe. Fruits are poisonous until cooked. The only genus in its family, Corynocapus comprises six species found on islands in the western Pacific Ocean and New Zealand.
An endemic species found throughout New Zealand.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Reproductive characteristics

Plant form: tree up to 15 m

Arrangement of parts: symmetrical
 

Flower size: 4-5 mm diam.

Leaf form: undivided, oval to oblong

Sepals: 5

Leaf size: 10-15 cm

Petals: 5, green, yellow

Leaf arrangement: singly along stem

Sexuality: bisexual and unisexual (female)

Leaf attachment: ligule

Stamens: 5

Leaf margin: smooth

Ovary: above petals

Leaf surface: hairless

Fruit: fleshy


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