thickets up the regenerating forest

Size
Height: 2–5 m, Spread: 1–3 m, can reach 8 m
Lifespan
50–100 years
Diet
Photosynthetic. Draws energy from sunlight. Obtains nutrients from well-drained soils in forest environments.
Habitat
Upland and mountain forests, forest margins and scrub. Prefers well-drained soils with partial shade. Often forms dense thickets in regenerating forest.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in upland and mountain forests. Extends down to sea level in southern South Island.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is primary threat. Browsing by introduced possums and deer. Climate change affecting upland habitats.
Population
Populations considered stable and widespread. Species common in upland forests throughout New Zealand. Not threatened by habitat loss.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
poisonous
Handling Note
leaves contain pungent oils that cause severe skin irritation and blistering
Conservation Note
Endemic shrub; widespread in lowland and montane forests throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, horopito was used for medicinal properties. Leaves chewed for toothache and sore throats. Decoction of leaves taken for stomach ailments and skin infections. Hot, peppery taste used as flavour enhancer for food. Leaves sometimes dried and stored for later use. Important remedy in Māori pharmacopoeia. Valued for warming and healing properties. Plant of upland forests.
Leaf is picked and chewed. Pseudowintera colorata is New Zealand's native pepper. Plant that burns mouth. Leaves produce hot, peppery taste. Leaves burning sensation in mouth. Taste caused by polygodial. Compound with anti-fungal properties. Leaves used fresh or dried as culinary spice. Added to dishes. Made into tea. Infused into oils and vinegars. Horopito also used in traditional Māori medicine. Plant that is both spice and medicine. Leaves are one of plant's most distinctive features. Leathery, dark green above and pale beneath. Red or purple blotches caused by fungal infection. Blotching more common in some populations than others. Considered natural part of plant's appearance. Leaves have strong, spicy aroma when crushed. Plant that wears its infection like badge. Flowers are small and yellow-green. Appearing in spring. Followed by small, black berries eaten by birds. Plant grows as shrub or small tree. Reaching up to 5 metres in height. Bark is dark brown and rough. Horopito is member of Winteraceae. Ancient family of flowering plants. Diverged from other angiosperms early in evolutionary history. Family characterised by absence of vessels in wood. Primitive feature. Horopito is one of few members of family found in New Zealand. Plant is used in modern cuisine as native spice. Forest is damp. Horopito grows, leathery leaves blotched red and purple. Leaf is picked and chewed. Heat builds. Mouth burns. Plant does not know it is spicy. It just wants to not be eaten. Heat is point. It works. It carries on regardless.