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


Pseudopanax laetus

Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Subfamily: Aralioideae
Genus: Pseudopanax
Botanical name: Pseudopanax laetus
Common name: Pseudopanax laetus,

A spreading shrub or small tree with a maximum height: 5 metres it is found naturally in the North Island from Coromandel to Taranaki and can be epiphytic on tree ferns or on cliffs.
It has 5-7 leaflets (leaflets 12-25cm x 5-10cm) with reddish coloured stalks (up to 25cm long) and mid veins. The leaves have serrated margins.
The bark has yellow grooves running down the stem. In spring it has small red berries (5mm). The plant is very palatable to goats and possums.





Berries forming