| Beilschmiedia tarairi.Taraire |
|---|
 |
Beilschmiedia tarairi Taraire
Common tree to 25 m of Northern lowland coastal forests. Blue underside to leaf. Leaf to 10cm x 6cm. Berry a purple drupe 2-5 cm long
Taraire is a dominant tree of Northern broadleaf forests. Their large purple drupes are a staple food of birds, with their fleshy, fruity endocarps. The seeds would have been dispersed by large beaked birds, most of which are now extinct (Moa, kakapo) The kaka and Kereru are now the only birds capable of ingesting such a large seed. The ability of taraire to survive in the wild is now dependent on the association the tree has with these birds. As the seed is passing through the bird's gut the endocarp is digested while the seed passes cleanly out of the bird in its droppings and is spread throughout the forest. The seed is a favoured food of the Wood Pigeon. The best seed for procuring for ease of growing is that from beneath the roost of a Pigeon. Once passed through the gut the seed is devoid of flesh and will quickly germinate in a glass house. I have collected up to 26 seeds from beneath a group of tall Kauri.. Observations of Pigeons will reveal their roosts which appear to be tall trees offering a good view of the surrounding terrain. In mid winter in Northland the forest floor has at times been heavily littered with ripe Taraire berries. I have had no problem in collecting bagfuls at this time.
Beilschmiedia tawa
This tree of the forest has a graceful manner in which the willow like foliage hangs from the branches. When the wind blows and the sun is shining this tree is a garden splendour as the leaves display their blue undersides. It grows as a rather slender tree 7 metres in height and becomes more graceful with size. It is ideal as a specimen tree on a lawn, or as light overhead cover for shade plants. It prefers a rich soil which is free draining. Water over summer. The fruit is an attractive purple berry popular with the Wood Pigeon (Kukupa)
The seeds are large and full of nutrients and endosperm. They are quick to germinate in a warm environment. They should be sown straight after collection and not be allowed to dry out. Wash them in running water between your hands to remove any remaining flesh. Sow in a warm spot in a PB3/4 size pot or large root trainer. Taraire can be 30 cm. tall 6 weeks from germination. Pot on into a PB3 or similar before the food supply in the endosperm is exhausted.
If you wish to learn more about native plants I suggest one of these natural history books from fishpond
|
