Karaka (tree)
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Karaka |
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| JR Forest. & G. Forst. |
The karaka ( Corynocarpus laevigatus ) is an endemic tree native to New Zealand .
description
The Karaka is a medium-sized tree with strong branches and a treetop overgrown with dense foliage. The tree can grow up to 16 meters high. Its gray bark has a smooth surface structure and the dark green, shiny, 7 cm to 20 cm long and thick leaves grow alternately on the branches.
The tree is in bloom from August to November. Its small flowers have five petals in a greenish color and are around 5 mm in diameter. The flowers are on stiff panicles .
The drupes are 3 cm to 4 cm in length and hang in grapes on the branch. They ripen from January to April, with the color of the fruits changing from green to yellow to orange.
The outer part of the fruit is edible, but the core where the seed is located contains the neurotoxin known as karakin, which only becomes harmless after cooking. Because of the toxicity of the fruit, the tree is not tolerated in New Zealand in children's playgrounds or kindergartens.
distribution
In the country's North Island , the tree is commonly found in forests and along the coasts, and on the South Island on the west coast to Westport and on the east coast to Banks Peninsula .
Web links
- Corynocarpus laevigatus. Corynocarpus laevigatus , December 6, 2014, accessed November 3, 2017 .
literature
- Helga Neubauer: Karaka . In: The New Zealand Book . 1st edition. NZ Visitor Publications , Nelson 2003, ISBN 1-877339-00-8 , pp. 1154 .
Individual evidence
- ↑ Corynocarpus laevigatus. Corynocarpus laevigatus , December 6, 2014, accessed November 3, 2017 .