Carpodetus serratus
| Carpodetus serratus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Carpodetus serratus branch in flower | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Rousseaceae |
| Genus: | Carpodetus |
| Species: | C. serratus |
| Binomial name | |
| Carpodetus serratus J.R.Forst | |
Carpodetus serratus, also known as putaputawētā or marbleleaf is an endemic evergreen tree of New Zealand. It is found in broadleaf forest in both the North and South Island's of New Zealand.
It is a small tree growing to 10 metres tall, with a 20 – 30 cm trunk with rough grey bark.[1]
C. serratus produces clusters of small (5–6 mm) white flowers during spring.[2] In autumn the tree provides black fruit.
The Māori name putaputawētā refers to the fact weta often make the tree their home.[3]
Cultivation
Marbleleaf adapts well to garden use and is widely cultivated in New Zealand. It remains a compact, rounded shrub for several years before finally developing its adult tree-like form. Marbleleaf may be trimmed to keep it compact and bushy. Well grown plants will flower heavily. As far as can be ascertained there are no commercially distributed Carpodetus serratus cultivars.
References
- ↑ "Putaputaweta (Carpodetus serratus)". Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network. Retrieved 2012-03-13.
- ↑ "Putaputāwhētā, marbleleaf". The University of Auckland 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
- ↑ "Story: Shrubs and small trees of the forest". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 29 August 2012.