Puka (tree)

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iPuka
Conservation status
Vulnerable (VU)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Apiales Family: Araliaceae Genus: Meryta Species: M. sinclairii
Binomial name
Meryta sinclairii

Puka (Meryta sinclairii) is a large-leaved evergreen tree native to New Zealand that grows to about 8 m tall, with a "tropical" appearance. It is widely cultivated and is often considered more attractive than the Kapuka (Griselinia littoralis).

There are about 30 other species in the genus Meryta, all native to islands in the subtropical southwest Pacific Ocean; some others that may be encountered in cultivation include:

• M. denhamii, native to New Caledonia
• M. latifolia, native to Norfolk Island
• M. sonchifolia, native to New Caledonia

[edit] References

• World Conservation Monitoring Centre (1998). Meryta sinclairii. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU D2 v2.3)