Meryta sinclairii (Hook.fil.) Seem.

Common Name and Leaf Shape

Meryta sinclairii, commonly known as puka, has elliptical, thick, leathery leaves that can grow up to 50 cm long and 20 cm wide, with a glossy upper surface. These are the largest entire leaves in the New Zealand flora.

Petiole Characteristics

Its leaf stalks, called petioles, may reach up to 35 cm in length.

Leaf Arrangement

Leaves are densely clustered in groups of 20 to 30 at the tips of branches, with a few large deciduous scales among the petioles of the youngest leaves.

Growth Habit

Young puka plants grow straight upward, but after flowering the tree begins to branch, typically forming a rounded crown.

Flower and Fruit Basics

The tree produces panicles of green-white flowers, which are followed by black berries.

Flower Panicle Details

Green-white flowers grow on erect terminal panicles up to 50 cm long, blooming from spring to autumn. The flowers are inconspicuous.

Fruit Development

Ball-bearing sized fruit only develops on female plants, though occasional bisexual flowers may occur.

Fruit Appearance

The fruit is roundish-oblong, black, shining, and slightly angled when young, becoming smooth as it matures.

Seed Characteristics

Each fruit contains 5 curved, highly compressed seeds that are roughly three-eighths of an inch long, black or dark-brown, and extremely hard.

Fruit Maturation and Dispersal

Fruits take a full year to mature; as they ripen to black, they attract birds.

Plant Resin Content

The entire plant is more or less resinous.

Bark Features

Its dark-brown bark is covered in numerous warty growths, is easily wounded, and forms large callosities as it heals.

Wood Properties

The wood is white and brittle.

Branch Characteristics

Branches are very stout and marked with scars from fallen leaves.

Trunk Structure

The trunk is either stout or slender, and is irregularly and sparsely branched.

Cultivation History

In 1869, Kirk recorded that puka was already established under cultivation.

Current Cultivation Use

Today, it is widely grown as a street tree and garden specimen in northern New Zealand.

Propagation Methods

The main propagation method is from seed, though cuttings can be grown with limited success.

Light Requirements

Puka grows well in full sun or light shade.

Frost Tolerance

It cannot tolerate frost, especially when young; leaves will be damaged if temperatures drop below −2 °C. Despite this sensitivity, it has been grown as far south as Dunedin when planted in protected locations.

Coastal Tolerance

Puka is tolerant of wind, is unaffected by salt spray, and has high tolerance for coastal conditions.

Cultivation Flexibility

It can be trimmed to control its size, can be grown in large containers, and makes an ideal indoor plant when young.

Variegated Cultivar

Meryta sinclairii var. 'Moonlight' is a variegated cultivar with very attractive cream and yellow leaves. It is less vigorous and less easy to grow than the wild, non-variegated form.