New Zealand Laurel
Corynocarpus laevigatusfam. Myricaceae
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Pl. 48B6 — Corynocarpus laevigatus
Corynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatusCorynocarpus laevigatus
IOverview
Overview
New Zealand Laurel (Corynocarpus laevigatus) is a tree native to the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, and both North and South islands of New Zealand. Known for its edible fruit and seed, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure. It prefers soil types ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), making it adaptable but thriving best in medium soils. Growing up to 12 meters tall, the New Zealand Laurel is a distinctive tree recognized for its ornamental value and culinary use.
Quick answers
What is New Zealand Laurel?
New Zealand Laurel (Corynocarpus laevigatus) is a tree native to the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, and both North and South islands of New Zealand. Known for its edible fruit and seed, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
New Zealand Laurel thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 7-10 and can grow up to 12 meters tall. Propagation is typically done through seeds. This tree is native to the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, New Zealand North Island, and South Island, making it adaptable to temperate regions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Habit
Tree
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow New Zealand Laurel for the first time
8steps
Start with planting New Zealand Laurel in a sunny spot and follow these steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
A young New Zealand Laurel tree, garden gloves, a spade, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or autumn when the weather is mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a mix of light, medium, and heavy soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young trees from a nursery pot to your garden bed, ensuring the root ball is intact.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Monitor for signs of stress and adjust watering accordingly.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soils without amending, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The New Zealand Laurel can be eaten, with its fruit and seeds being the edible parts. The fruit is typically consumed fresh or dried. Seeds are often used in cooking after roasting or grinding into a flour.
Other uses:Pest controlLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 3 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 4 native· 3 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Portugal
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Chatham Is., Kermadec Is., New Zealand South, New Zealand North
introduced:Norfolk Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
7 related
See also
7 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Myricaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Myricaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 48b68466-08e9-43f4-9cf7-f5547ef89c13
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