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karaka nut
Scientific Name: Corynocarpus laevigatus
Family: Corynocarpaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus)
The Karaka, also known as New Zealand laurel, is an evergreen tree native to New Zealand. It's notable for its bright orange berries and the nut within.
Considerations for Pets
- The text explicitly mentions that the seeds of Corynocarpus laevigatus are poisonous.
Considerations for Children
- The text explicitly mentions that the seeds of Corynocarpus laevigatus are poisonous.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Corynocarpus laevigatus J.R. Forst. & G. Forst.
- Common Names: Karaka, New Zealand laurel, Karaka nut, Kopi (Maori), Karakapuu (Finnish)
- Family: Corynocarpaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to New Zealand.
- The Karaka is a handsome, coastal tree.
Morphological Characteristics
- Evergreen tree, growing up to 12 meters (39 feet) tall and 8 meters (26 feet) wide.
- Characterized by stout, spreading branches.
- Produces a large, fleshy orange drupe (fruit) with a nut-like seed inside. The fruit ripens from mid-summer.
- Tiny, greenish-cream flowers.
- Leaf Type: Evergreen
Traditional Uses
- Historically, the Māori used many parts of the Karaka tree, with the berries and nuts being particularly valuable as a food source.
- The kernels or nuts were traditionally sun-dried, stored, and often ground into flour for making nut-flavored bread.