Meryta sinclairii aka Puka, Pukanui

Meryta sinclairii, also known as puka or pukanui, is a large-leaved evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand. It has a distinct tropical appearance and can grow up to 8 meters tall. Puka is part of the Meryta genus, which consists of around 27 species of small, resinous trees found in the subtropical and tropical Pacific Ocean. In its natural habitat, puka is found on the Three Kings Islands and the Hen and Chickens Islands. It thrives in sheltered valleys with thick soils and relatively moist conditions, although it can also tolerate shallow, stony soils on cliffs, indicating some drought tolerance. When cultivated, puka is a tender evergreen tree that grows rapidly, reaching heights of around 5 meters. Its bright green leaves are leathery and glossy, with wavy edges and pale undersides. They can grow up to 50 cm long and are often clustered at the ends of branches, forming a rounded crown. The tree produces large panicles of small, pale whitish-green flowers, followed by small green berries that eventually ripen to black. Although puka is one of the southernmost species in the Meryta genus, it is still susceptible to frost, especially in young plants. Despite this vulnerability, puka remains a striking woody plant and a notable member of the Araliaceae family.