Herb latin name: Griselinia littoralis


Synonyms: Pukateria littoralis


Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood Family)



Edible parts of Griselinia littoralis:

Fruit - a bitter flavour.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
6 m
(20 feet)

Flowering:
May

Habitat of the herb:

Lowland to montane forests in North, South and Stewart Islands.

Other uses of Griselinia littoralis:

Grows well by the sea, making a good hedge that tolerates maritime exposure. Plants are very amenable to trimming, they are best cut in early summer and can be cut right back into old wood if required. A slow-growing plant, but it makes a nice dense hedge. Wood - very durable, firm, dense but slightly brittle. Used for ship building, railway sleepers etc.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a greenhouse. It can also be sown in the spring in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts and give some protection for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 7 cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Keep the foliage moist. Pot up in August and overwinter in a sheltered position, planting out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of mature wood, 7 - 10 cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. High percentage.

Cultivation of Griselinia littoralis:

Lowland to montane forests in North, South and Stewart Islands.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Griselinia littoralis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.