Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus)
Last Modified: 1-2-2020 8:49
© Christopher Cookson License this image
Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus) is a small tree that grows up to about 10 metres high, found in coastal forests in frost free areas throughout New Zealand, distinctive for its large glossy waxy leaves and orange berries. The fleshy fruit is edible however the seed contains a toxic alkaloid. Māori ate both the fruit and seed, and actively cultivated karaka trees, howeer they followed an elaborate and time consuming proceedure to remove the toxin from the seeds.
This example is in Pukatea/Whites Bay.
Image Date: 13/12/2019
Photographer: Christopher Cookson
Location: Latitude: -41.385513 Longitude: 174.057449