Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Griselinia littoralis or Kapuka

The genus Griselinia, family Griseliniaceae, comprises 7 species of trees and shrubs native to New Zealand and South America. The species are: Griselinia littoralis, Griselinia lucida, Griselinia scandens, Griselinia racemosa, Griselinia carlomunozii, Griselinia ruscifolia, Griselinia jodinifolia.

Common names: Kapuka, New Zealand broadleaf, Papauma. This species is native to New Zealand.

They are dioecious trees that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. They have thick, shiny and leathery leaves, oval in shape and slightly wavy; there is a variety of variegated leaves. The small greenish-yellow flowers have no petals and appear in 5 cm long panicles. The fruits are black berries.

These plants are ideal for coastal gardens because of their resistance to salinity. They are used to form hedges and screens and next to pools and ponds. They are suitable for growing in pots.

Griselinia littoralis needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. They resist frost down to -10 ºC (14 ºF).

They can grow in any type of soil that is well drained.

Water moderately throughout the year (never flood) waiting until the substrate has dried; slightly increase watering in summer.

Fertilize with leaf mulch or compost in spring and fall. In spring fertilize once a month with mineral fertilizer.

Prune lightly in summer to maintain a compact appearance and eliminate dry branches.

They are plants resistant to pests and diseases.

They propagate in summer from soft cuttings.

Images of the tree Griselinia littoralis or Kapuka