About Pseudopanax lessonii (DC.) K.Koch
This species, commonly called houpara, has the scientific name Pseudopanax lessonii (DC.) K.Koch. Houpara grows as a shrub or tree reaching up to 6 meters in height, with stout branches. Its leaves are crowded toward the tips of branchlets, and are 3- to 5-foliolate. Juvenile houpara plants produce larger leaves than mature adult plants. The leaf petioles measure between 5 and 15 cm long. This species is endemic to New Zealand. Its natural native range is coastal forest and scrub, found on the Three Kings Islands and the North Island of New Zealand, extending as far south as Poverty Bay at 38°4′S. Houpara is popular as a cultivated plant in New Zealand gardens, but it is rare in cultivation outside of New Zealand. It requires mild, moist growing conditions, without extreme temperature fluctuations in winter or summer. Several cultivated cultivars of houpara have been developed, including 'Gold Splash', which has yellow variegated leaves, and 'Nigra', which has dark purple-brown foliage.
