T.E.R:R.A.I.N - Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network

Five Finger (Puahou) Pseudopanax arboreus

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Pseudopanax
Species: P. arboreus
Scientific name: Pseudopanax arboreus
Common name: Puahou, five finger

This is one of New Zealand’s most common native trees found from Cape Reinga to Bluff in lowland forests. Its particular form of a glossy, five to seven fingered leaf along with quick and luxuriant growth. It grows into a small stout tree up to 8 metres high and grows well in most soils and situations. It has large leaves divided into 5-7 leaflets. Pseudopanax arboreus is fast growing with small purplish black berries in autumn.The leaves are a favourite food of the opossum New Zealand main forest pest.
The Lancewoods are also members of the same genus.


Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 







^ Top

Previous page: Miro (Prumnopitys ferruginea)
Next page: Pseudopanax “Trident”