Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as houpara, is a shrub of coastal forest and scrubby areas from the Three Kings Islands to Poverty Bay. Houpara grows to 3-4m and has attractive leathery leaves composed of 3-5 leaflets that are broadly oval with shallow serrations near the tips. This is particularly good species for coastal planting. It is better in dry conditions and responds well to pruning.