Griselinia littoralis

 Griselinia littoralis, kapuka, papauma or broadleaf is endemic to the North, South and Stewart Islands. It is found from sea-level to 1060m asl in lowland forests and lower subalpine scrub, from  the Bay of Islands area in the north southwards,  and throughout the South and Stewart Island where it is particularly abundant in the south. This very handsome round-headed branching tree of 9-15m, can have a short, gnarled or twisted trunk that can be 60cm – 1.5m through. It has leaves that are more or less oval, that are bright green and quite leathery. It is a very common plant in the make-up of some South Island forests and can quite often commence life as an epiphyte on old fallen logs. It is a great plant for any garden, and may be pruned and kept as a shrub of 3-4m. It will grow in most soil types, and as it tolerates almost any amount of pruning it makes a great plant for a hedge. As it is tolerant of persistent winds, this makes it especially useful in a coastal garden. It makes an excellent container plant.  It was first discovered at Akaroa, Banks Peninsula by E. Raoul.