Karaka are large growing evergreen trees with big, flat, glossy leaves which mature into a large canopy which spreads as the tree grows.
Throughout New Zealand, it is found in forests from Northland all the way down to Banks Peninsula, but is mainly found in coastal areas as it is relatively frost intolerant.
As well as being a great tree for coastal gardens and native situations, Karaka can provide tall screening, privacy and green colour between properties within an urban location. Karaka trims very well as a pleached hedge or shaped specimen. Although it has the potential to grow into a large tree, pruning can make it a great tree for a limited space, where it can be kept to 2-4m. Left alone it can soar to 8-15m.
The leaves are large - an excellent contrast to neighbouring trees and provide a sub tropical texture. The fruit (large orange drupes the size of a date) attracts native birds, especially kererū; however, plant with caution in regards small children and pets as the fruit is poisonous. Under the orange skin of the fruit is an edible pulp. The danger lurks in the kernel or stone of the fruit which contains the toxic alkaloid karakin.