pōkaka of the cool montane forest interior

Size
Height: 10–15 m
Lifespan
150–250 years
Diet
Not applicable (tree). Photosynthetic organism deriving nutrients from soil and sunlight through root system in forest environments.
Habitat
Lowland and hill forests, often on fertile, well-drained soils. Prefers moist, sheltered sites with partial shade. Often found in regenerating forest.
Range
Found throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in lowland and hill forests. Also found on Chatham Islands. More common in South Island.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is primary threat. Browsing by introduced possums and deer. Climate change affecting forest habitats significantly.
Population
Populations have declined due to land clearance but remain stable in remaining forest fragments. Species is still common in lowland forests throughout NZ.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native broadleaf tree, edible fruit safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic forest tree; widespread in lowland and montane forests throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, pōkākā was valued for hard, durable wood. Wood was used for making weapons (patu, taiaha) and tools (adzes, chisels). Fruit was eaten by birds. Distinctive juvenile leaves were noted. Tree was also known as pōkākā (pō = night, kākā = native parrot). Possibly because kākā parrot ate fruit. Less well known than hīnau but equally valued.
Juvenile leaves hide from moa. Pōkākā is relative of hīnau. Similar leaves and fruit. But it is tree of two faces. Tree that changes its mind. Juvenile form is completely different from adult. Strategy to hide from moa. Juvenile leaves are deeply serrated. Like oak leaves. With lobes and teeth. Pale green and soft. Arranged alternately along branches. Juvenile tree looks like different species altogether. Adult leaves are smooth and oval. Dark green and glossy. Adult tree has shed its disguise. Tree that grows out of its costume. Flowers are small and white. Hanging in clusters from branches. Fruit is small, black, fleshy drupe. Similar to hīnau. Fruit is eaten by birds. Which spread seeds through forest. Tree that travels on bird wings. Wood is hard and durable. Māori used it for making weapons (patu, taiaha) and tools (adzes, chisels). Wood holds sharp edge. Does not split easily. Tree that made weapons. Name pōkākā means night parrot (pō = night, kākā = native parrot). Possibly because kākā parrot ate fruit. Tree is less well known than relative hīnau but was equally valued. To see pōkākā is to see tree of two lives. Juvenile with oak-like leaves. Hiding in understorey. Adult with smooth leaves. Standing in canopy. Tree that learned to hide and then learned to stand. Forest understorey is dark. Juvenile hides. Oak-leaved and soft. Waiting for gap in canopy. Gap comes. Tree grows. Leaves change. Disguise drops. It has been here for millennia. Will be here as long as forest remains. Populations have declined due to land clearance but remain stable in remaining forest fragments. Species is still common in lowland forests throughout New Zealand. Threatened by ongoing habitat loss and browsing by possums. Habitat loss from land clearance is primary threat. Browsing by introduced possums and deer. Climate change affecting forest habitats. No significant pest or disease issues other than possums. Found throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in lowland and hill forests. Also found on Chatham Islands. More common in South Island than North Island. Lowland and hill forests. Often on fertile, well-drained soils. Prefers moist, sheltered sites with partial shade. Often found in regenerating forest and along forest margins. Tolerates shade but grows best in light gaps. No one told it otherwise.