New Zealand Laurel, Karaka nut

Corynocarpus laevigatus

Physical Characteristics

Corynocarpus laevigatus is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 8 m (26ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from December to February. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

New Zealand.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Secondary; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Fruit - raw. Sweet and pulpy[1, 2, 46, 59, 61, 103, 173]. One report says that it is poisonous raw[153], though the writer might have been confused with the seed[K]. Seed - cooked[46, 59, 61, 128]. The seed needs to be soaked in salt water or thoroughly boiled or roasted in order to destroy a deleterious principle[1, 2, 63]. A staple food of the Maoris, it contains a tasteless farinaceous substance[2, 103]. The seed contains about 11% protein and 58% carbohydrate[173].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The seed is poisonous raw[65, 173].