Pennantia corymbosa
Bellbird Tree/ Kaikōmako
Description:
A distinctive evergreen New Zealand native tree with a fascinating juvenile form. Young plants have slender, flexible, interlacing branches with very small leaves, giving them a tangled, twiggy appearance. As the plant matures, it develops a more upright growth habit, a slender trunk and larger, leathery green adult leaves. Small, fragrant creamy-white flowers are produced in clusters, followed by fleshy black fruit on female plants. Kaikōmako is endemic to New Zealand and is particularly valued in native gardens for its unusual growth habit and its appeal to native birds.
Height:
8–12 m
Width:
3–6 m
Position:
Full sun to partial shade. Kaikōmako naturally grows in lowland forest and along forest margins and is tolerant of shade. It performs well in sheltered to moderately exposed positions and can tolerate a range of conditions once established.
Soil:
Moist, fertile and well-drained soil. It prefers reasonable soil moisture but can tolerate a range of soil types. Avoid permanently waterlogged conditions.
Uses:
- Feature and specimen tree
- Native gardens
- Wildlife and bird-attracting gardens
- Forest and woodland planting
- Screening and shelter
- Revegetation
- Naturalistic planting
- Large garden borders
Care Tips:
- Water regularly while establishing, particularly during dry periods.
- Mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
- Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser if required.
- Allow sufficient space for the plant to develop its mature tree form.
- Light formative pruning can be used when young if required to encourage a strong structure.
- Avoid permanently waterlogged soils and ensure good drainage.
- Be aware that the juvenile growth habit is naturally very different from the mature form, with tangled branches and small leaves.
- Female plants produce the attractive black fruit; male and female flowers occur on separate plants.
- Black fruit provides food for native birds, including bellbirds/korimako.
We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the grade and quality of the plant in the images.
Plants are subject to availability; there is a slight possibility the plants can be sold before your order is processed. In this instance we can offer a refund or credit and let you know when more plants become available.
