Karaka Corynocarpus laevigatus
Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Corynocarpaceae family, native to New Zealand (North Island and Kermadecs). It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Karaka at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Corynocarpaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | New Zealand (North Island and Kermadecs) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
| Invasive in | Hawaii, Wellington and South Island forests (outside its natural range): check local rules before planting |
Is Karaka toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: raw kernels
Raw kernels contain karakin (neurotoxic): traditionally edible only after long steaming and soaking. Dogs have died from eating fallen fruit.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Karaka
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Karaka
- How far apart should I plant Karaka?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Karaka need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Karaka need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Karaka?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Karaka flower?
- From about August for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Karaka poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people severely toxic. Raw kernels contain karakin (neurotoxic): traditionally edible only after long steaming and soaking. Dogs have died from eating fallen fruit.
- What grows well with Karaka?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Karaka. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network: flora, NZPCN
- Flora of New Zealand and Ngā Tipu Whakaoranga (Māori plant use), Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research
Notes and assumptions
- Glossy coastal shelter tree with orange fruit; keep away from where dogs roam.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Silver birch Betula pendula