Carpodetus serratus, putaputaweta, or marble-leaf is endemic to the North, South and Stewart Islands. It is found from sea-level to 1000m asl. in coastal, lowland and mountain forests and along streamsides throughout these islands. A easily recognised, small to medium sized tree that grows 3 to 9m tall with pale greyish bark on a trunk up to 25cm through. As a juvenile plant it has very slender zig-zagging almost divaricating branclets, but becomes a well shaped tree in maturity, that has very distinctive dark green toothed leaves that have have a lighter marbling on the surface, hence its common name. It has masses of small white star-shaped fragrant flowers (see photo) that often cover the whole tree from November to March, that are followed by dark purple, almost black fruit. It is very hardy, and grows resonably quickly, but prefers a deep, good to moderate soil. It can withstand drier soils but prefers to have adequate moisture. It has a very sappy wood that makes it difficult to burn, but the wood itself is very strong and tough, but not that durable when exposed to the weather. It has been used to make handles for tools. Plant material was first collected in Queen Charlotte Sound by Banks and Solander during Captain Cook's first voyage.