| Alseuosmia banksii. karapapa |
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Alseuosmia banksii. karapapa
translated as 'perfume of the grove'. There are 6 species of Alseuosmia and there is debate over the classification of this group as some species may be varieties. The shrub reaches about 2m and has tubular fragrant flowers. Berries are 8-12mm long, crimson. Common in Northern forests
The seeds are found within a red -crimson berry and are ripe in March and April. 5 or 6 seeds per berry. Remove flesh of fruit from berry before sowing. The seeds need a period of winter chill before they will germinate. This genus should be grown more often both for their red berries and pinkish tubular fragrant flowers. A lot of potential for hybridisation and cultivar selection. If sown in a glasshouse in autumn, the seed should germinate the next spring. Plants prefer a shaded positon
One of the sweetest smelling plants of the N.Z. flora. Highly recommended for growing in the garden for the beautiful scent of its tubular flowers. It is intolerant of strong sunlight and should always be grown in the shade. It flowers in winter and produces crimson berries in autumn. It grows well in rich fertile soils but will grow in any general soil.
If you wish to learn more about native plants I suggest one of these natural history books from fishpond
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